NADRA has announced a transformative move to discontinue its official website and transition all its services to a dedicated mobile app. The shift, set to take effect on January 17, aims to enhance service accessibility, tackle security concerns, and streamline the citizen experience.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the decision in a public statement, emphasizing the necessity of this change. He revealed that fraudulent activities linked to fake websites had posed significant threats to the integrity of the system. These malicious sites were used to create forged identity documents and exploit citizens’ personal information, undermining public trust in digital services. The move to a secure, centralized mobile app seeks to counter these challenges while modernizing NADRA’s service delivery.
Minister Naqvi acknowledged the technical difficulties citizens, particularly overseas Pakistanis, often faced when using the Pak-ID website. The process of uploading scanned fingerprints and other necessary documents had been a source of frustration for many. The revamped mobile app addresses these issues, offering a more user-friendly platform for identity document services. Citizens can now complete processes related to CNICs, NICOPs, POCs, B-Forms, and Family Registration Certificates (FRCs) from their smartphones, ensuring greater convenience and security.
The upgraded mobile app represents a major leap forward in accessibility, providing a seamless interface for document uploads and applications. The government hopes this step will enhance digital inclusion and ensure that services are more accessible to all citizens, regardless of location.
In addition to the app rollout, NADRA is taking concrete steps to extend its physical presence. The Interior Minister announced plans to establish three new regional centers in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gwadar, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These centers, set to become operational by March 31, will enhance communication between NADRA officials and residents of remote areas, addressing longstanding concerns about service delays and accessibility.
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have taken notice of fraudulent activities and pledged to take decisive action against individuals and entities involved in scams. NADRA is collaborating with other institutions to clamp down on these elements and ensure the security of citizens’ data.
Furthermore, NADRA is actively working to establish offices in the 19 remaining tehsils across the country that currently lack service centers. The minister assured the public that these offices are on track to be operational by March 31, expanding NADRA’s footprint to underserved regions. This initiative will significantly reduce service delays, improve complaint resolution, and enhance citizens’ trust in the system.
The decision to phase out the website and shift entirely to the mobile app marks a pivotal moment in NADRA’s evolution. By prioritizing security, accessibility, and efficiency, NADRA aims to set a new standard for digital governance in Pakistan. The mobile app’s comprehensive features and the expansion of NADRA’s physical network demonstrate the government’s commitment to serving its citizens more effectively while safeguarding their personal information in an increasingly digital world.
