Under the government’s Digital Pakistan vision, the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) is aiming to make computerized national identity cards digital wallets, and an upgrade to an already existing app will likely be released later this year.
“To bring this goal to reality, we’ve released the ‘Pak Identification’ mobile app as a major component of digital ID, allowing applicants for national identity cards to apply online.” In an exclusive interview with Dawn, Nadra CEO Tariq Malik stated, “The software enables collect biometric fingerprints, face recognition, and scan papers needed for processing a person’s ID card using cellphones, without having to visit a Nadra office or embassy.”
“Using the app, which is backed by two-factor authentication, 75,000 abroad Pakistanis have processed their national identity cards [called Nicop] from the comfort of their homes in a short period of time,” he stated.
The app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
Mr. Malik said that with the release of this software, Pakistan has become the first country to use smartphone cameras for “contactless biometric” acquisition and verification. “Nadra would opt for a digital wallet after successful testing on 75,000 foreign Pakistanis,” he added.
