Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched the country’s first dematerialized digital identity card during its Silver Jubilee ceremony in Islamabad on March 10, 2025. The initiative marks a significant advancement in Pakistan’s national identity infrastructure, building upon NADRA’s previous digital identity developments and service improvements.
The new digital identity system will allow citizens to store their identity credentials on smartphones through the Pak ID mobile app, which has already proven successful for digital visa processing and identity services. A digital verification system, supported by the World Bank’s Digital Economy Project, will be implemented to enable secure and instant verification for various services. The pilot phase of this verification system is scheduled to begin on Independence Day 2025.
“The launch of Pakistan’s first dematerialized digital identity card is a significant step toward digital identity transformation,” said Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. “After integrating this feature into the Pak ID mobile app, citizens will be able to store their identity cards on their smartphones.”
The launch ceremony included several commemorative elements, with the State Bank of Pakistan unveiling a special coin and Pakistan Post releasing a commemorative stamp. The event also featured a documentary showcasing NADRA’s achievements and the presentation of a commemorative book.
NADRA’s network currently encompasses 13 mega centers, 890 registration centers, 230 mobile registration vans, and 10 registration centers abroad. The organization has gained international recognition for its identity solutions, providing services to countries including Nigeria, Sudan, Kenya, Turkey, and the European Union.
The digital identity initiative is part of broader digital transformation efforts in Pakistan, including the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024, which aims to establish a centralized system for social, economic, and governance data. The government is establishing a National Digital Commission to advance digital society, economy, and governance objectives.
In collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, NADRA has implemented facial recognition verification through its e-Sahulat platform to enhance financial service accessibility. The authority is also emphasizing the importance of canceling national ID cards of deceased individuals to prevent misuse and maintain database accuracy.
“NADRA has continuously evolved to turn its vision into reality and is steadily achieving new milestones in its development,” said NADRA’s Founding Chairman, Major General (Retd.) Zahid Ehsan.
Sources: ARY News, Biometric Update, Arab News, Urdu Point, Think Digital Partners
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