ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced a new facial recognition-based biometric verification system to address difficulties faced by citizens whose fingerprints fail due to age, medical conditions, or faulty equipment at service points.
The initiative follows directives from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services such as banking, SIM issuance, property transfers, and vehicle registration.
To enable this shift, the federal government has amended the National Identity Card Rules on NADRA’s recommendation, legally recognizing facial photographs and iris scans—alongside fingerprints—as valid biometric identifiers. The amendment provides the legal basis for a multi-biometric verification regime.
Under the new system, NADRA has introduced contactless fingerprint and facial recognition verification at its registration centres and through the Pak-ID mobile application for services within its mandate. The technology is already being used for Islamabad vehicle transfers and online passport applications, with additional services, including proof-of-life certificates for federal pensioners, to be added in phases.
From January 20, 2026, NADRA will begin issuing facial recognition-based biometric verification certificates at all registration centres for citizens whose fingerprint verification fails. The certificate, available for a fee of Rs 20, will be valid for seven days and verifiable online via a QR code by the concerned institution.
NADRA has urged regulators, public bodies, and private organisations to upgrade their software and hardware to integrate the new verification mechanism. While NADRA is fully prepared to provide the service, institutions will need to make technical upgrades to enable on-site facial verification in the future.
The authority said the initiative is expected to significantly reduce hardships caused by faded fingerprints and, once fully implemented, will allow citizens to complete verification directly at service points or independently via the Pak-ID application following the launch of the Digital ID.
Reaffirming its commitment on the New Year, NADRA said it will continue leveraging technology to improve citizen services while strengthening safeguards against identity fraud.
