Pakistan advances national ID, biometric policy frameworks

Pakistan has made significant advancements in transforming its digital identity ecosystem. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) continues to undertake efforts aimed at improving security, innovation, and accessibility. The government has also announced the National Registration and Biometric Policy (NR&BP) framework, which aims to mitigate the basic identity gaps in the country’s management system, such as registration anomalies, data security problems, and accessibility issues.

NADRA has also collaborated with key higher education institutions (HEIs) to stimulate innovation in biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data analytics. This partnership will contribute to the development of cutting-edge identity verification systems as well as simplify the national registration processes.

Moreover, the government of Pakistan has amended the NADRA (NIC) Rules of 2002 in Ordinance 2000 to provide for the issuance of digital identity cards to special persons and organ donors for life, which facilitates further inclusion and streamlining of the identity system. Collectively, these measures reflect the determination of Pakistan to achieve a unified, safe, verifiable digital identity system that is research-based and compliant with global standards.

The national registration and biometric policy

Pakistan has taken major steps in the scope of digital identity to strengthen its biometric and digital identity ecosystem with the launch of the National Registration and Biometric Policy (NR&BP), which was officially announced by the federal government last month and seeks to address fundamental flaws in the country’s identity management system, providing a safe, unified, and efficient registration mechanism.

The framework identifies basic challenges; key ones are systematic disintegration, legislative inconsistencies, and limited accessibility, which have resulted in low registration rates, identity fraud, and data discrepancies.  To address these issues, NR&BP works on integrating NADRA’s digital infrastructure with provincial Civil Registration Management Systems (CRMS), creating a streamlined identity verification process.

The policy includes the expansion of biometric assortment and verification at the union council level to tackle identity theft, which allows for secure and real-time identity authentication to combat identity theft and fraudulent registrations. In addition, NR&BP will implement a digital ID system to encourage interagency collaboration among government departments and business enterprises. This policy will also contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9, which aims to provide legal identity for all.

The National Implementation Committee NIC, chaired by the NADRA chairman, is managing the charge of the strategic execution of this initiative, while the National Steering Committee, led by the interior minister, provides overall policy guidance. Representatives from key ministries, IT boards, and financial regulators are actively engaged in ensuring the policy’s successful nationwide adoption.

The NR&BP, with its strong emphasis on biometric integration and digital identity protection, is envisioned to improve governance, national security, and public service delivery, positioning Pakistan at the forefront of digital transformation.

NADRA’s collaboration with higher education institutions

Recognizing the need for innovative research in biometrics, AI, and cybersecurity, NADRA has partnered with 15 of Pakistan’s best universities to advance innovation in digital identity management. According to the NADRA press release, this collaboration, through official Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), would promote research and development (R&D) and talent development in identity technologies, ultimately boosting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.

NADRA will support graduate research projects, training programs, and thesis work in areas including biometric authentication, AI-driven identity verification, and data security through this initiative. The agreement also introduces the Talent Hunt Program.

NADRA intends to establish advanced identity verification technologies and improve cybersecurity standards by using higher education institutions’ knowledge, providing a robust and secure national digital identity system. This industry-academic partnership is projected to expedite the use of AI-based analytics in biometric authentication, improve fraud detection methods, and contribute to Pakistan’s digital transformation efforts. NADRA’s research-driven strategy is dignified to reinvent digital identity security and governance across the country, with ambitions to expand the relationship to institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan.

Amendments in NADRA Ordinance rules, 2002

In a significant stride to increase inclusivity and accelerate identity issuance, the federal government of Pakistan has approved key amendments to the NADRA (NIC) Rules, 2002, under Section 44 of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000. These reforms aim to contribute lifetime validity identity cards for special persons and organ donors, providing seamless recognition and identification.

Special persons, including citizens and non-residents, will henceforth be issued National Identity Cards (NICs) with a wheelchair logo to indicate their status. Organ donors who have registered with the appropriate authorities will also receive NICs with a donor logo. Individuals who qualify for both categories will also receive dual-status identity cards, which will have both symbols for comprehensive recognition.

The amendments also introduce new schedules (VII-X) with updated card designs and documentation standards. These revisions are a significant step toward a more inclusive and efficient digital identity system in Pakistan, as they ensure lifelong validity and simplify identification.

Pakistan’s biometric and digital identity reforms are a significant step toward ensuring secure, inclusive, and efficient identity management. NADRA strengthens national security and governance through biometric integration, research-driven innovation, and policy advances. AI-powered authentication, cybersecurity breakthroughs, and seamless identity verification are the way of the future. As the government refines its policies, public participation is critical in creating a transparent and trustworthy biometric ecosystem.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  digital identity  |  e-ID  |  identity document  |  identity management  |  legislation  |  NADRA  |  national ID  |  Pakistan