Applying for a passport in Pakistan has become significantly more accessible with the introduction of a new fingerprint verification system through the NADRA Pak-ID mobile app. In a collaboration between Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the system aims to streamline the biometric confirmation process for citizens applying for new passports. This integration allows applicants to verify their fingerprints remotely, eliminating the need for physical visits to passport offices or reliance on complex hardware for this step. By leveraging modern mobile technology, the authorities intend to simplify the online application experience and reduce delays that previously affected passport issuance.
The newly implemented system enables applicants to confirm their fingerprints at any time and from any location using the NADRA Pak-ID mobile app. This process is designed to be seamless and secure, ensuring that personal biometric data is properly authenticated without unnecessary complications. Recognizing that technical issues may occasionally occur, the app also provides a facial recognition option as a backup. This alternative verification method ensures that applicants can complete the process even if fingerprint scanning encounters problems, allowing the application workflow to proceed without interruption. Authorities have highlighted that the dual-option system strengthens reliability while maintaining user convenience for a wide range of applicants across Pakistan.
To complete the verification process, applicants must follow a specific workflow that begins on the online passport web portal. After initiating the application and reaching the fingerprint stage, users are prompted to log in to the NADRA Pak-ID app and navigate to the biometric verification section. There, they can select the “Online Passport” option, input their passport tracking ID along with their National Identity Card number, and follow guided instructions to confirm their identity via fingerprint or facial recognition. Once the verification is successfully completed, the system sends a confirmation message and redirects users back to the web portal, where they can finish submitting their application. This integration eliminates traditional bottlenecks in passport issuance and provides a fully digital alternative to in-person verification, reinforcing Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to government digitization initiatives.
Officials have emphasized that the move is part of a broader effort to improve accessibility and efficiency in government services by leveraging mobile technology. The NADRA Pak-ID app, already widely used for identity verification in other sectors, now plays a central role in facilitating passport applications. By providing a secure and user-friendly interface for biometric confirmation, DGIP and NADRA aim to enhance citizen experience, reduce processing times, and ensure that passport services are more inclusive and convenient for the general population. With this update, Pakistani citizens can now complete one of the most critical steps of passport applications from their smartphones, reflecting a significant step forward in digital governance and public service delivery.
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