Pakistan Launches First Digital ID Card, Eliminating Need for Photocopies

Islamabad (Qudrat Daily) — The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched Pakistan’s first dematerialized national identity card, marking a major step toward digitization and modern public service delivery.
The new digital ID card can now be downloaded free of charge via the “Pak-ID” mobile application, eliminating the need for citizens to carry physical ID cards or photocopies. According to NADRA spokesperson Syed Shabahat, citizens can upload a photo of the QR code from their current CNIC to the app, and the verification process will be completed within 30 minutes, after which the digital card will appear in the app’s wallet.
In case of a lost or stolen mobile phone, users can simply log in on a new device to restore their digital ID.
NADRA stated that the digital identity card aims to accelerate services in government offices and meet modern needs of Pakistani citizens. However, the acceptance of the digital ID as an official substitute remains dependent on individual institutions.
Additionally, NADRA is considering expanding digital services within the app, including digital versions of the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) and the Child Registration Certificate (CRC).