ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) marked a significant milestone on Monday by unveiling Pakistan’s first dematerialized identity card. This initiative aligns with NADRA’s 25-year legacy of excellence in legal identity management and national database integration.
The innovative digital ID will now be incorporated as a feature within the Pak ID mobile app, eliminating the need for citizens to carry physical identification cards.
Additionally, digital verification systems are set to be introduced under the World Bank-supported Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP). These systems will enhance authentication processes for various services. A pilot phase for the fully digital identity system is scheduled to launch on August 14, 2025.
To commemorate NADRA’s silver jubilee, a special ceremony was hosted at its headquarters.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent congratulatory messages, applauding NADRA’s contributions. As part of the celebrations, the State Bank of Pakistan issued a commemorative coin, while Pakistan Post introduced a special postage stamp to honor this landmark achievement.
President Zardari commended NADRA’s role in providing citizens with a secure and unique legal identity. He emphasized that the initiative strengthens the state’s relationship with its people and enhances public service delivery. He also urged NADRA to harness emerging technologies to further improve efficiency, accessibility, and integrity in its operations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recognized NADRA’s crucial role in citizen empowerment, highlighting its global recognition for serving one of the world’s largest demographic groups. He acknowledged its advancements in data integration and AI-driven modeling, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation in fostering economic progress and social inclusion.
Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi praised the launch of the dematerialized ID card as a step towards digital identity transformation. He emphasized NADRA’s extensive outreach, ensuring identity verification services are accessible even in Pakistan’s remote regions, as well as for overseas Pakistanis. He also recognized NADRA’s vital role in governance, law enforcement, and national security enhancement.
The founding chairman of NADRA, retired Maj Gen Zahid Ehsan, was the chief guest at the silver jubilee ceremony.
In his address, he reflected on the organization’s early days and its rapid advancements in fulfilling its foundational vision. He emphasized NADRA’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, noting its continuous strides in modernizing identity management.
The event was attended by previous chairmen, board members, senior government officials, and representatives from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Directorate of Immigration and Passports, and the Ministry of Interior.
A documentary film showcasing NADRA’s 25-year journey was screened, along with the launch of a commemorative book highlighting its achievements.