The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) is working on digitalizing the National Identity Card (NIC) and making it a digital product like many others. It is the vision of the government of Pakistan to computerize the NIC and make it a digital wallet.
NADRA took the initiative in this domain last year, and it is now adding an extension to the previous application. The application named ‘Pak Identity’ will be available to all by this year.
Also Read: BAT recognised as Global Top Employer for fifth consecutive year
Digitalization is an effort that attempts to break free from the conventional methods of physically visiting an office to register at the national portal and get biometric scanning services. The aim is to make state service available at the doorstep.
With the initial launch last year in September, more than 75000 expatriates registered for NICOP in the comfort of their home. Previously available to overseas Pakistanis, this year Nadra is aiming at making it available for all residents of Pakistan.
Pak Identity app is a baby of Nadra chief Tariq Malik. Talking to media, he explained; “Translating this vision into reality, we have launched the ‘Pak Identity’ mobile app as a key building block of digital ID to facilitate applicants of national identity cards through an online portal. The app helps capture biometric fingerprints, facial recognition and scan documents needed for processing a person’s ID card using smartphones, without visiting a Nadra office or embassy”.
Read More: ‘Lighter bag brighter student’ policy initiated in Islamabad
The application is available for both IOS and Android platforms.
Pakistan is the first country to take the initiative of implementing ‘contact less biometric’ authentication and verification using a smartphone. The initiative is true to the vision of the Prime Minister to make a digital Pakistan.
Yield of this technological innovation would be boosted in contactless banking, financial inclusion, ease of doing business and e-governance initiatives by offering remote identification and e-KYC (electronic know your customer).
