The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has expanded its biometric identification facility for minors by introducing iris-scan verification at 5,000 counters across Pakistan. The facility is intended to provide a more reliable biometric identification mechanism for children and support the authority’s broader efforts to improve identity registration and verification services. The expansion will allow families to access the iris-scanning facility through a much wider network of NADRA service counters across the country.
Iris recognition is being introduced as an additional biometric method for minors, addressing the limitations associated with collecting conventional biometric data from children. As minors grow, certain biometric characteristics can change, making reliable identification an important consideration for national identity systems. By expanding iris scans through thousands of registration counters, NADRA is making the technology available at a larger number of locations instead of limiting the facility to selected centres.
The wider availability of iris-based verification is also expected to support NADRA’s identity registration process by providing an additional method for establishing and confirming the identity of children. The initiative forms part of the authority’s continued adoption of digital and biometric technologies across citizen services. NADRA has previously expanded digital identity facilities through its registration centres, mobile services and the PakID platform, with biometric verification playing an important role in identity-related services.
The expansion of iris scanning for minors represents another step in the development of Pakistan’s digital identity infrastructure. With the facility now available at 5,000 counters nationwide, parents and guardians in more areas will have access to the biometric service when completing relevant registration and identity procedures for children. The move further increases the use of biometric technology within public-sector identity services and supports NADRA’s efforts to build more accessible and digitally enabled registration processes.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
