NADRA launches ‘cutting-edge AFIS technology’ for biometric identification

‘NADIR’ can quickly store the fingerprints and identify individuals for a wide range of purposes 'as a public good'

ISLAMABAD:

The National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched its cutting-edge Automated Finger Identification System (AFIS), branded as “NADIR”, for civil purposes.

This marks a significant milestone for NADRA, which has now joined the ranks of premier biometric identification technology providers worldwide.

NADRA is a trailblazer in the field of advanced digital technologies related to identity management, biometrics, border control, and e-governance. The organisation has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of digital identity, its verification, and security, earning a reputation as a leader in the industry.

‘NADIR’ represents a major advancement in the field of biometrics, utilising the unique characteristics of fingerprints to establish a robust and reliable method of identity verification. Based on the Fingerprint Verification Competition (FVC), an internationally acclaimed benchmarking conducted in Italy, NADIR has achieved an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 99.5%.

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Speaking during the launching ceremony, NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik said, “The right kind of innovation builds not only organisations or governments – it also builds countries. Indigenous development of AFIS is a groundbreaking development not only in the field of civil identification but in the pursuit of nation-building as well. With its advanced technology, we can now accurately and quickly store the fingerprints and identify individuals for a wide range of purposes as a public good, from immigration to border control to social services."

With NADIR's development, Pakistan has joined the league of nations that have developed their indigenous AFIS technology and is now set to offer its product in the international market to help countries improve civil identification, border control, and e-governance. The global market for biometric identification technology is mostly dominated by providers from developed countries like the USA, UK, Russia, Japan, France, Germany and others.

Overall, NADRA's indigenous development of AFIS technology represents a groundbreaking achievement, not only in the field of civil identification but also in the pursuit of nation-building. It underscores the organisation's commitment to innovation and further solidifies its position as a global leader in advanced identity management solutions.