NADRA to launch facial recognition feature in Jan

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is set to introduce from January 15 a new facial recognition feature at its centres nationwide and within its mobile app to assist citizens who are unable to undergo biometric verification through fingerprints.

Stakeholders from various sectors came together at the NADRA headquarters in a consultative conference on Friday to discuss ways to enhance the biometric and identity verification system.

According to a NADRA spokesperson, the conference, where participants included regulators and officials from relevant institutions, focused on the challenges of identity verification and the steps the authority has taken to improve service delivery for both regulators and citizens.

The NADRA chairman provided an overview of the difficulties faced by various sectors in the current identity verification system. The discussion highlighted the challenges posed by blurred fingerprints, particularly for pensioners and senior citizens. To address this, NADRA announced the launch of a facial recognition authentication facility, which will be available on the PakID mobile app and at NADRA registration centres starting Jan 15, 2025.

The participants welcomed this initiative, expressing confidence that it would streamline citizens' access to services and reduce unnecessary delays.

The conference also explored the potential of eye-tracking technology for identity verification, discussing its benefits as well as the challenges it might present for both citizens and institutions.

The attendees were briefed on two key initiatives: the 'National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework' and the 'Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP),' aimed at fostering the digital economy in Pakistan. They stressed the importance of collaboration across various institutions to implement these projects and improve the biometric verification system.

Attendees at the conference included officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Telecommuni-cation Authority, Pakistan Banks Association, Federal Investigation Agency, Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, FBR and others.