Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced the implementation of facial recognition verification through its Pak-ID mobile app, scheduled to launch on January 15, 2025. The new feature aims to streamline identity verification processes and improve service accessibility for Pakistani citizens, building upon NADRA’s initial mobile registration system launched in 2021.
The announcement follows a consultative conference at NADRA headquarters, which brought together regulators and officials from various sectors to discuss improvements to the national biometric and identity verification system. A key focus of the discussions was addressing verification challenges faced by elderly citizens and pensioners who often experience difficulties with traditional fingerprint-based authentication.
The facial recognition facility will be available both through the Pak-ID Mobile App and at NADRA Registration Centers nationwide. The technology is specifically designed to assist elderly citizens and pensioners by enabling them to complete identity verification procedures from their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to NADRA centers. The development supports Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital identity infrastructure, which has become increasingly integral to everyday life in Pakistani society.
“This innovative service will improve access to various services for citizens and reduce unnecessary delays,” said a NADRA spokesperson. The implementation adds another layer of security while maintaining accessibility for all citizens. The enhancement is particularly significant given previous concerns about fingerprint spoofing in Pakistan’s biometric systems.
The facial recognition system is part of broader digital transformation initiatives in Pakistan, which include the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework and the Digital Economy Enhancement Project. These initiatives aim to strengthen digital security measures and promote Pakistan’s digital economy development, supporting recent efforts by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to combat digital fraud.
The new system will complement existing biometric verification methods, providing an alternative authentication option for users who face challenges with traditional verification approaches. NADRA officials indicate that the automation of the verification process through facial recognition technology is expected to reduce processing times and enhance operational efficiency across the organization’s services.
Sources: The Express Tribune, Mobile ID World, The Express Tribune, BISP Info
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