Nadra Digital ID Card Launched in Pakistan
The digital ID card will be integrated into the Pak ID mobile application, allowing citizens to access their identity cards securely and instantly, and will facilitate secure and instant verification for various services, making it a significant step towards a digital economy.
Pakistan has launched its first dematerialised digital identity card, allowing citizens to store their identity cards on their smartphones, eliminating the need for physical ID cards, as part of the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP).
The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) announced the launch during its silver jubilee ceremony, commemorating 25 years of excellence in legal identity management and national database integration. The Pak ID mobile app will be integrated with the feature, enabling citizens to access their digital identity cards. A digital verification system will also be introduced, facilitating secure and instant verification for various services.
The launch of the digital ID card is a significant milestone in Pakistan's journey towards a digital economy. The country has come a long way since the formation of Nadra in 1998, which aimed to create a centralized, secure, and modern digital database. The success of the project has led to Nadra's financial independence and has enabled the country to develop a modern and comprehensive digital identification system.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Nadra on its achievements, urging the authority to accelerate its efforts to utilize emerging technologies and uphold the highest standards of integrity, accessibility, and citizen satisfaction. The pilot phase of the initiative will begin on Independence Day 2025, marking a new era in digital identity management in Pakistan.
The introduction of the dematerialised digital ID card is expected to bring convenience and security to citizens, and will be a significant step towards a digital Pakistan. With the support of the World Bank and the Pakistan Armed Forces, Nadra has been able to achieve this milestone, and the country is poised to make significant progress in the field of digital identity management.
