ISLAMABAD — In a landmark move to modernize citizen identification, the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) unveiled Pakistan’s inaugural “digital dematerialized identity card” during its 25th-anniversary celebrations, as reported by local media.
The initiative, hailed as a transformative leap for the country’s identity infrastructure, was announced at a ceremony where the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) honored the occasion by releasing a commemorative coin, while Pakistan Post introduced a special postage stamp. A historical account of Nadra’s evolution over the past quarter-century was also presented.
The event, hosted at Nadra’s headquarters, saw the presence of distinguished guests such as founding chairman Major General (Retd) Zahid Ihsan, current chairman Lieutenant General (Retd) Asif Munir, senior Interior Ministry representatives, the chief statistician of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and former leaders of the organization.
In a statement, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the digital ID card as a “pivotal advancement in Pakistan’s journey toward digitization.” He revealed plans to integrate the feature into the Pak ID mobile application, enabling citizens to securely store their ID on smartphones. A real-time digital verification system, supported by the World Bank’s Digital Economy Project, is also in development to streamline authentication processes for public and private services. The pilot phase is slated to begin on August 14, 2025.
Naqvi further emphasized Nadra’s efforts to provide identity services to remote regions and overseas Pakistanis, as well as its collaboration with security agencies to bolster national safety.
A documentary showcasing Nadra’s accomplishments was screened, followed by the launch of a commemorative publication detailing its 25-year evolution, which drew praise from attendees. Reflecting on Nadra’s legacy, Major General (Retd) Ihsan traced the agency’s origins and emphasized its adaptive strategies to realize its goals and set benchmarks in innovation.
The digital ID system aims to enhance accessibility, reduce fraud, and position Pakistan among nations adopting cutting-edge identity solutions for the digital age.
