‘Digital Pakistan’: PM launches Pak-ID mobile app for CNIC

Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched a mobile phone application developed by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to facilitate applicants of Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).

The mobile app, Pak-ID, helps to capture biometrics and scan documents digitally by using the camera of smartphones, according to the official statement issued on Tuesday.

It said Premier Imran applauded Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik’s innovative idea of the mobile app which is a step towards implementing the PM’s vision of inclusive registration and digital Pakistan.

“Pakistan becomes trailblaser in ID Management Industry by launching a mobile app which captures biometrics, fingerprints, facial recognition and scan documents needed for processing of citizens’ ID cards and documents.”

Using the digital app on smartphones, all citizens including expatriates will be able to digitally capture fingerprints, photographs and documents.

This is a leap forward putting an end to the conventional method of using specialised equipment or physical paper for processing ID documents in Nadra, the communiqué read.

The Nadra chairman said, “The innovation will revolutionise the National ID Eco System in Pakistan by providing public convenience.”

He added that the digital dividends of such technology innovation would yield positive results in financial inclusion, ease of doing business and e-governance initiatives by offering remote identification and “e-KYC”.

He further said that it would open new vistas for businesses allowing them to rapidly onboard users and provide modern password-less authentication.

Small business, startups and fin-tech organisations will also harvest their digital dividends as rent-seekers will be eliminated and the cost of conducting business will reduce. The offering of digital goods will stimulate young entrepreneurship and promote e-services, the statement said.

This app Pak Identity can be downloaded from Google Play Store (Android) and Apple Store (iOS).