Pakistan launches first Digital Identity Card: What are the benefits?

Dubai: Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has unveiled the country’s first dematerialised digital identity card, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the national identity system.

The announcement was made during NADRA’s Silver Jubilee celebration.

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, praised the launch of the digital identity card, calling it a crucial step toward a more streamlined and efficient digital identity system.

New features

The new feature, available through the Pak ID Mobile Application, will allow citizens to store their ID cards on smartphones, eliminating the need to carry physical cards.

The digital verification system, set to be implemented under the World Bank-funded Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), will further enable seamless authentication for a variety of services. A pilot program for this fully digital identity system is scheduled to launch on August 14, 2025.

Extensive reach

Minister Naqvi highlighted NADRA’s extensive reach, ensuring identity services are accessible even in Pakistan’s remotest regions and to overseas Pakistanis. He also recognised NADRA’s pivotal role in supporting governance, law enforcement, and national security efforts.

The launch of Pakistan’s first dematerialised digital identity card represents a major leap forward in the country’s digital future, promising to streamline services and enhance security for millions of citizens, he added.

Benefits

In a statement posted on its website on Tuesday, NADRA said: “The digital identity card will revolutionise how citizens access government services. With integration into the Pak ID app, users will be able to carry a digital version of their ID cards on their smartphones, offering a more convenient and secure option. The system will soon include digital verification processes to enhance authentication for a wide range of public services.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded NADRA’s groundbreaking contributions to empowering citizens and promoting digital solutions. He emphasised the importance of NADRA’s achievements in data integration and artificial intelligence, which play a critical role in driving Pakistan’s economic growth and fostering inclusiveness in society.