Pakistan launches first-ever Dematerialised Digital ID Card
New NADRA system eliminates need for physical ID cards
ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced Pakistan’s first Dematerialised Digital Identity Card, a landmark move towards modernising the country’s national identification system.
The announcement was made during a grand ceremony marking NADRA’s Silver Jubilee, commemorating 25 years of excellence in identity management and public service innovation.
The event at NADRA headquarters was attended by key government figures, including Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, NADRA’s founding chairman Major General (Retd.) Zahid Ehsan, and other senior officials.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also sent congratulatory messages, praising NADRA’s contributions to governance, security, and digital transformation.
Digital Identity revolution
The Dematerialised Digital Identity Card is set to revolutionise how Pakistanis interact with government and private sector services. Integrated into the Pak ID Mobile Application, this innovation eliminates the need for physical ID cards. Citizens will now have their identity stored securely on their smartphones, ensuring greater convenience and accessibility.
A key aspect of this initiative is the introduction of a digital verification system, which will be implemented under the World Bank-funded Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP). This system is designed to facilitate instant authentication for various services, enhancing security and efficiency in both public and private sectors. A pilot phase for this initiative is scheduled to launch on August 14, 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi lauded NADRA for this milestone, calling it a major step in Pakistan’s digital transformation. He emphasised that the dematerialised ID aligns with global trends in identity security and will play a crucial role in streamlining public services.
President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted the significance of digital identity in reinforcing the social contract between the state and its citizens. He urged NADRA to continue leveraging emerging technologies to ensure efficiency, security, and accessibility.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended NADRA for establishing Pakistan as a global leader in national identity management. He pointed out that Pakistan’s ID database is the third-largest in the world, making the adoption of AI-driven solutions a crucial step in enhancing economic growth and digital governance.
Silver Jubilee celebrations
The Silver Jubilee event featured several highlights, including the unveiling of a commemorative coin issued by the State Bank of Pakistan and a special postage stamp by Pakistan Post. A documentary film showcasing NADRA’s 25-year journey was screened, while a book chronicling its achievements was also launched to great appreciation from attendees.
NADRA’s founding chairman Major General (Retd.) Zahid Ehsan reflected on the authority’s evolution from its inception to becoming a global benchmark in digital identity systems. He reiterated NADRA’s commitment to innovation, ensuring that Pakistan remains at the forefront of digital governance.
The event was attended by former NADRA chairmen, board members, the Special Secretary Interior, the Chief Statistician (PBS), the Director General of Immigration & Passport, and senior NADRA officials.