NADRA Launches Facial Recognition Biometric Verification System

Islamabad (News Desk): The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new multi-biometric verification system to address challenges faced by citizens whose fingerprints have faded due to age or medical conditions. This initiative aims to facilitate access to banks, SIM card services, housing societies, property transfers, and other transactions requiring biometric verification.

Many service points in Pakistan face limitations due to substandard fingerprint readers, creating difficulties for citizens despite existing facilitative measures by the State Bank of Pakistan and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Following directives from the Prime Minister and the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, NADRA has taken several key measures. The National Identity Card Rules have been amended to legally recognise facial photographs and iris scans as valid biometric identifiers alongside fingerprints. This legal framework enables NADRA to implement a multi-biometric verification system nationwide.

Under this system, NADRA has introduced contactless fingerprint and facial recognition-based verification, available at NADRA Registration Centres and via the Pak ID mobile application. The system is already being used for online passport applications and transfers of Islamabad-registered vehicles. Plans are underway to expand the facility to proof-of-life certificates for federal government pensioners.

Effective January 20, 2026, NADRA will begin issuing facial recognition-based biometric verification certificates for citizens unable to complete fingerprint verification. Citizens can obtain these certificates at any NADRA Registration Centre for a nominal fee of Rs 20. The procedure involves taking a fresh photograph, which is then matched with existing records. Successful verification results in a certificate containing the purpose of verification, recent and recorded photographs, CNIC number, name, father’s name, a unique tracking ID, and a QR code. The certificate is valid for seven days and can be submitted to the relevant institution for verification.

In the future, these certificates will also be available through NADRA’s e-Sahulat franchises. Once the Digital ID system is formally launched, citizens will be able to access this service entirely through the Pak-ID application.

Read more: NADRA issues advisory for overseas Pakistanis

NADRA has requested all regulators, public institutions, and private sector organisations to upgrade their hardware and software to approved standards to integrate this biometric verification service. The rollout will occur in two phases: first, upgrading institutional software for integration, and second, installing cameras at service counters or integrating cameras into existing KYC biometric machines.

Citizens facing issues after January 20, 2026, may lodge complaints with the relevant institution. NADRA has also requested the Ministry of Interior to issue instructions to all institutions to ensure smooth implementation. Once fully operational, citizens will be able to complete facial recognition verification directly at service points without visiting NADRA centres.

On the occasion of the New Year, NADRA reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technological innovation to enhance citizen services while strengthening safeguards against identity fraud and misuse.