Authority says rules recognize digital ID cards as valid proof of identity and reduce need for unnecessary photocopies
LAHORE:
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) clarified on Friday that digital identity documents issued through its PakID platform have the same legal status as physical identity cards.
NADRA spokesperson Shahbaz Ali noted that some authorities were asking citizens to submit a physical copy or photocopy of their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) instead of accepting the digital version. He stressed that such practices violate existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
Under the National Database Ordinance 2000 and the Registration Authority and Digital Identity Regulations 2025, digital identification information has the same legal validity, credibility and probative value as physical CNICs, NICOPs or POCs. Government ministries, regulated institutions and other organizations are required to accept digital IDs issued by NADRA as valid proof of identity.
The Digital Identity Regulations, established under the NADRA Order, specifically grant digital identities full legal recognition:
Rule 9: Digital identity credentials issued or authorized by NADRA have the same legal validity, credibility and probative value as physical identity documents.
Rule 10: All government ministries, regulated institutions and organizations requesting proof of identity must accept digital credentials issued by NADRA as valid identification.
NADRA said the rules recognize digital IDs as valid proof of identity, reduce the need for unnecessary photocopies and help protect citizens’ personal data while preventing misuse of identity information.
The authority urged all ministries, public and financial institutions and telecommunications operators to fully comply with these regulations. Citizens can file complaints through NADRA’s official complaints system if an office or institution does not accept digital IDs.
