The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is working to make the computerized national identity cards digital wallets under the government’s Digital Pakistan vision and an update to an already existing app will likely be made available later this year.
“Translating this vision into reality, we have launched the ‘Pak Identity’ mobile app as a key building block of digital ID to facilitate applicants of national identity cards through an online portal. The app helps capture biometric fingerprints, facial recognition and scan documents needed for processing a person’s ID card using smartphones, without visiting a NADRA office or embassy,” NADRA chief Tariq Malik said in an exclusive talk with DawnNews.
“In a short span, 75,000 overseas Pakistanis have processed their national identity cards [called Nicop] from the comfort of their homes by using the app, which is supported by two-factor authentication,” he explained. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Mr. Malik said that with the launch of this app, Pakistan has become the first country to implement “contactless biometric” acquisition and verification using smartphone cameras. “With successful testing on 75,000 overseas Pakistanis, NADRA will go for a digital wallet,” he said.
