Nadra Launches Pakistan's First Dematerialized ID Card

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) on Monday launched Pakistan's first dematerialized ID card as it commemorated 25 years of excellence

The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) on Monday launched Pakistan’s first dematerialised ID card as it celebrated 25 years of excellence in legal identity management and national database integration.

The national identity document will now be integrated as a feature into the Pak ID mobile application, which means that citizens will no longer need to carry physical ID cards.

Moreover, digital verification systems will soon be implemented to facilitate authentication for various services in a pilot project to launch on August 14, 2025.

The new technology will be funded by the World Bank through the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP).

A ceremony was held at the Nadra headquarters to mark the silver jubilee of the authority.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent congratulatory messages, in which they appreciated the authority’s remarkable achievements. A commemorative coin issued by the State Bank of Pakistan and a special postage stamp by Pakistan Post were also unveiled to mark the historic milestone.

In his message, President Zardari lauded the authority’s role in "evolving a legal and unique identity for every citizen, reinforcing the social contract between the state and its people while transforming the fabric of public service delivery."

He urged Nadra to "further accelerate the integration of emerging technologies to optimise efficiency, and consistently strive for the highest standards of integrity, accessibility and citizen satisfaction."

The prime minister recognised Nadra’s "pivotal role in empowering citizens with a legal identity, a testament to the nation’s socioeconomic progress."

He highlighted the authority’s global standing in serving the third-largest demographic segment in the world.

Acknowledging Nadra’s achievements in data integration and AI modeling, the prime minister underscored the significance of digital solutions in "turbocharging economic growth and forging a more inclusive society."

Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi hailed the launch of the dematerialised ID as a step towards digital identity, noting that it aligns with the government’s agenda for Smart Cities and its vision for a fully digital Pakistan.

In his message, the minister highlighted Nadra’s extensive network, which ensures that identity services are available even in the remotest areas of Pakistan as well as for overseas Pakistanis.

He also acknowledged Nadra’s crucial contributions to governance and law enforcement, which ultimately reinforce national security and efficient public administration.

Nadra’s founding chairman retired Maj Gen Zahid Ehsan was the chief guest at the silver jubilee ceremony.

In his address, he shared a brief reflection on the organisation’s early days, highlighting how it rapidly progressed in achieving the vision it was founded upon. He added that the institution continues to set new milestones in its development, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and excellence.

Previous chairmen, board members, special secretary interior, chief statistician (PBS), DG immigration and passport and Nadra officials were also present at the ceremony.

The event also featured the screening of a documentary film and the launch of a book that chronicles Nadra’s 25-year journey.