PHC mandates biometric verification for litigants

In a significant step to enhance transparency and prevent fraud in the judicial process, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a formal directive making biometric verification mandatory for plaintiffs and related parties in cases before the high court and its subordinate courts.

According to the court's notification, biometric verification, linked to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), must now be conducted at key stages of litigation. This includes when filing a case, submitting written statements or replies by parties, and presenting sureties (guarantors) before the court.

The verification process is to be carried out exclusively through NADRA e-Sahulat (facilitation) centres. A fee of Rs200 has been fixed for each biometric verification. To streamline tracking and ensure proper guidance during the process, a unique tracking ID will be generated for each verification.

The high court has instructed all judges, judicial officers, court staff, and lawyers to strictly implement this requirement. A detailed circular has been issued to enforce compliance across PHC and lower judiciary in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

This initiative aims to eliminate impersonation, fake litigation, and the use of bogus witnesses or sureties, thereby strengthening the integrity of court proceedings and protecting genuine litigants.

The directive aligns with broader efforts by Pakistan's judiciary to integrate digital verification tools with NADRA's secure database for more reliable and efficient justice delivery. Litigants are advised to complete their biometric verification in advance at the nearest NADRA e-Sahulat centre to avoid delays in case registration or hearings.