NADRA ditches chips for Pakistan-made QR code ID cards

KARACHI:

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a Pakistan-made, QR code-based national identity card without a microchip, marking a major step towards self-reliance and easier digital identity verification.

According to a NADRA spokesperson, the new polycarbonate card has been manufactured in Pakistan by the National Security Printing Company, Karachi, in accordance with NADRA's technical and security requirements.

The new card replaces the imported microchip with a secure QR code, reducing reliance on foreign-sourced components while making digital identity verification more accessible.

The federal government approved the issuance of the new card on February 23, 2026. The QR code can be scanned and verified through a smartphone using the Pak Identity mobile application. It contains the cardholder's relevant identification information and photograph, allowing authorised institutions to retrieve and enter identity details, including names and addresses, into their computerised systems with greater accuracy and consistency.

The NADRA spox said the system would help reduce errors during data entry and streamline identity verification across various institutions.