The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced facial recognition–based biometric verification to address long-standing difficulties faced by citizens whose fingerprints fade due to age or medical conditions.
Many individuals encounter problems when accessing essential services such as banking, SIM registration, property transfers, and housing society transactions, where fingerprint-based biometric verification is mandatory. These challenges are further aggravated by the widespread use of substandard fingerprint readers at service points, despite facilitative mechanisms prescribed by the State Bank of Pakistan and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
To provide an immediate and effective solution, directives were issued by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, prompting NADRA to take decisive action.
On NADRA’s recommendation, the Federal Government amended the National Identity Card Rules, expanding the definition of biometrics to include facial photographs and iris scans in addition to fingerprints. This amendment establishes a strong legal framework for the implementation of a multi-biometric verification system in Pakistan.
Based on this framework, NADRA has introduced technical innovations enabling contactless fingerprint and facial recognition-based biometric verification. The system is currently operational at NADRA Registration Centres and through the Pak-ID mobile application for services within NADRA’s jurisdiction. It is already being used for Islamabad vehicle transfers and online passport applications.
In the coming phases, the system will also be used for issuing proof-of-life certificates for federal government pensioners, while the scope of digital services continues to expand.
From January 20, 2026, NADRA will begin issuing facial recognition-based biometric verification certificates at all registration centres for citizens whose fingerprint verification is unsuccessful. These certificates will be available at a nominal fee of Rs20.
Under the procedure, citizens facing fingerprint verification failure at a service provider will visit the nearest NADRA Registration Centre, where a fresh photograph will be captured and matched with existing records. Upon successful verification, NADRA will issue a certificate containing the verification purpose, CNIC details, photographs, a unique tracking ID, and a QR code. The certificate will remain valid for seven days and can be verified online by the concerned institution.
In the future, this facility will also be available through NADRA’s e-Sahulat franchises and, following the formal launch of the Digital ID, directly via the Pak-ID application.
NADRA has urged regulators, public institutions, and private organisations to upgrade their hardware and software to approved standards. In the first phase, institutions must enable software integration for facial recognition certificates. In the second phase, service counters will require camera installation or camera-enabled KYC systems.
NADRA stated it is fully prepared to implement the system and has requested the Ministry of Interior to issue instructions to all relevant institutions. Once fully implemented, citizens will be able to complete biometric verification directly at service locations without visiting NADRA offices.
On the occasion of the New Year, NADRA reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public services through technological innovation while strengthening safeguards against identity fraud and misuse.
