Overview
- NADRA says all registration centres will issue seven-day facial-recognition biometric verification certificates starting January 20, 2026.
- Each certificate will show the holder’s photo, CNIC, name, father’s name, a unique tracking ID and a QR code, with a nominal Rs 20 fee.
- When fingerprint checks fail at a service counter, the citizen will have a fresh photo taken at a NADRA centre, which is matched to records before a certificate is issued.
- The feature is available in the Pak-ID mobile app for services within NADRA’s remit, with broader access planned through Digital ID and e-Sahulat in phases.
- NADRA has asked regulators and service providers to upgrade software now and add cameras later so certificates can be verified online and, eventually, faces can be checked directly at counters.