The National Database & Registration Authority has completely digitized the process of obtaining identity cards and other official documents through its innovative Pak ID mobile application.
According to NADRA local chapter sources, the app has transformed the way identity services are provided to the public, allowing citizens to apply for ID cards, Family Registration Certificates (FRCs) and other documents from the comfort of their homes.
“In just three months, over 1.2 million applications have been received through the Pak ID app, while over 10 million citizens have downloaded it so far, making it one of the most used and trusted government services in the country,” a NADRA official told APP.
The app also allows citizens to perform biometric verification, upload documents and track applications directly through their smartphone. On average, more than 10,000 files are processed daily via the application, which considerably increases public comfort.
NADRA sources added that the Pak ID application has led to a 45 per cent increase in digital applications, reflecting the rapid migration of the public towards a digital identity system. This digital facility marks a major breakthrough for e-governance in Pakistan, leveraging modern technology to streamline public services.
Digital Services for Retirees in Karachi
Last month, NADRA announced plans to increase the number of registration counters in Karachi from the current 359 to 550 by the end of the current financial year, with the aim of making life easier for citizens and improving service delivery.
According to NADRA officials, the existing counters are operational at various mega and national registration centers in the city. As part of a wider effort to digitize and modernize its services, NADRA is also set to introduce a range of new online facilities.
One of the biggest is the launch of an online “Proof of Life” feature through the Pak Identity mobile app, designed primarily to help retirees, especially those who face challenges in fingerprint verification due to their age or health conditions.
Learn more: NADRA opens new counters for overseas Pakistanis
Talk to The Express PK Press ClubNADRA media director Syed Shabahat Ali said the new feature would provide a long-term solution to elderly people facing biometric or technical difficulties.
He further revealed that arrangements are being made to allow close family members, such as a son or daughter, to help elderly users complete the digital verification process.
Ali urged citizens to ensure that all important events, such as births, marriages, changes in marital status and deaths, are duly registered with their respective union councils as these form the basis of accurate data in the NADRA digital system.
NADRA has started local manufacturing of ATM-style self-service kiosks to facilitate renewal of ID cards and other registration services without the need for in-person interaction.
Initially, the kiosks will be installed in mega centers in Karachi, followed by a wider deployment in airports, railway stations, shopping malls and other public spaces.
