New method to help elderly citizens with medical conditions as centers start issuing certificates from January 20
Visitors check their phones behind the display advertising facial recognition software during the Global Mobile Internet Conference (GMIC) at the National Convention in Beijing, China, April 27, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
The National Database and Registration Authority has launched a facial recognition-based biometric verification system to help citizens facing difficulties with fingerprint verification, especially the elderly and those with health conditions.
A NADRA spokesperson said the move followed directives from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister that several steps had been taken to improve identity verification. Changes have been made to the National Identity Card rules to expand the legal definition of biometric verification, formally including facial recognition.
NADRA said it is fully prepared to implement the system and has asked relevant government and private institutions to make necessary arrangements to recognize facial recognition as a valid verification method.
“The service has already been added as a feature to the Pak-Identity mobile app,” the spokesperson said, adding that once Pakistan’s digital ID system is officially launched, facial recognition verification will be available directly through the app.
Also read: NADRA to launch facial recognition feature in January
From January 20, all NADRA registration centers in the country will start issuing biometric verification certificates based on facial recognition. According to the new procedure, if the fingerprint verification fails, the citizen will be directed to the nearest NADRA registration center for facial recognition.
Once the process is completed, NADRA will issue a biometric verification certificate. Citizens will be able to obtain the certificate when they need it by paying a nominal fee.
The certificate will carry the individual’s photograph, national identity card number, name, father’s name, a unique tracking ID and a QR code. It will be valid for seven days.
NADRA has advised anyone facing issues with the availability of the service to lodge a complaint with the relevant institution or department.
