Authority Mandates Acceptance to Streamline Services and Protect Citizen Data
The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has issued a firm directive, stating that digital identity cards must be accepted as valid proof of identity across Pakistan, carrying the same legal status as the physical Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
In an official statement, Nadra highlighted that some government offices and private organizations continue to demand physical cards or photocopies, a practice it deems contrary to the established legal framework. The authority cited Regulations 9 and 10 of the digital identity rules framed under the Nadra Ordinance, which grant explicit legal recognition to digital credentials.
Enhanced Security and Convenience
Nadra emphasized the dual benefits of digital adoption:
- Data Protection: Reduces the need for unnecessary photocopies, strengthening the security of citizens’ personal information.
- Fraud Prevention: Helps prevent the misuse of identification data.
Call for Universal Compliance
The authority has urged all government departments, public and financial institutions, and telecom operators to ensure immediate compliance with these directives. Citizens facing difficulties or refusal when presenting their digital ID are advised to lodge formal complaints through Nadra’s official complaint management system.
This move marks a significant step in Pakistan’s digital transformation, aiming to modernize bureaucratic processes and align with global trends in digital identity verification.
