National Database and Registration Authority has formally confirmed that digital identity cards carry the same legal validity as physical Computerized National Identity Cards, reinforcing Pakistan’s ongoing digital identity initiatives. The announcement comes after reports that certain government offices and institutions continue to request physical copies or photocopies of identity cards, a practice now officially deemed inconsistent with existing regulations. The authority emphasized that digital credentials must be recognized as official identification under the National Database and Registration Authority Ordinance, and all institutions are required to comply with this standard.
The clarification is intended to eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens for citizens while modernizing identification processes. Government departments, public sector organizations, financial institutions, and telecommunications operators are now required to accept digital identity cards for verification purposes. Officials noted that insisting on physical cards where digital IDs are valid violates the established legal framework, and citizens should not be compelled to submit physical documents. NADRA has also provided an official complaint system to address cases where institutions fail to recognize digital identity credentials.
The digital identity card was first introduced last year during National Database and Registration Authority’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital governance efforts. Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Raza Naqvi, described the initiative as a major step toward enhancing secure, efficient, and accessible identification for citizens. The new system has been integrated with the Pak ID mobile application, allowing users to securely store their identity cards on smartphones and access them for official purposes without the need to carry physical copies.
Authorities highlighted that wider adoption of digital identity cards will strengthen eGovernance and facilitate the delivery of public services through modern digital channels. By ensuring legal recognition for digital IDs, the government aims to streamline administrative procedures, enhance transparency, and expand access to services across Pakistan. The integration of digital identification into official processes represents a critical step toward building a technologically enabled public sector and advancing the broader vision of Digital Pakistan.
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