NADRA to introduce facial recognition, mobile app verification in Jan

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced a new verification service that will be launched on January 15 2025, allowing citizens to authenticate their identity through facial recognition and the Pak ID mobile app at NADRA centres across the country, Express News reported.

The announcement was made following an advisory conference held at NADRA headquarters, where officials from various regulatory bodies and stakeholders discussed improvements to biometric and identity verification systems.

The conference focused on addressing challenges faced in the current verification process and the steps NADRA has taken to ensure uninterrupted services for citizens and regulators alike.

During the conference, NADRA Chairman provided a detailed briefing on the difficulties encountered in identity verification across various sectors and the need for modernisation.

One of the key issues discussed was the challenges faced by elderly citizens and pensioners, particularly those with faint fingerprints, in verifying their identities.

A NADRA spokesperson confirmed that the new system, which will allow citizens to use facial recognition technology for identification, is a significant step forward in making the verification process more efficient.

"This innovative service will improve access to various services for citizens and reduce unnecessary delays," the spokesperson said.

The participants also discussed the potential benefits of using Iris scanning technology and the challenges it might present to citizens and institutions.

Additionally, the session covered the "National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework" and the "Digital Economy Enhancement Project," which aims to foster the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.

The workshop concluded with an emphasis on strengthening collaboration to implement the new biometric system and the associated technological advancements.