NADRA Introduces Facial Recognition for Biometric Verification from Jan 20

ISLAMABAD: In a major move to facilitate elderly citizens and individuals with medical conditions, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched a facial recognition–based biometric verification system, addressing long-standing issues with fingerprint verification.

According to a NADRA spokesperson, the initiative follows directives from the prime minister and interior minister, leading to amendments in the National Identity Card rules. These amendments expand the legal definition of biometric verification to formally include facial recognition.

The spokesperson said the new verification method has been integrated into the Pak-Identity mobile application and will become fully operational once Pakistan’s Digital ID system is formally launched.

From January 20, NADRA registration centres nationwide will begin issuing biometric verification certificates based on facial recognition. Under the new process, citizens whose fingerprint verification fails will be referred to the nearest NADRA centre for facial authentication.

Once verified, NADRA will issue a biometric verification certificate carrying the individual’s photograph, CNIC number, name, father’s name, tracking ID and a QR code. The certificate will be valid for seven days and available upon payment of a nominal fee.

NADRA has advised citizens facing any issues with the service to lodge complaints with the relevant departments, while government and private institutions have been instructed to recognise facial recognition as a valid biometric verification method.