ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced that the digital identity card holds the same legal status as the physical Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
The clarification came after reports that several public sector offices were insisting on physical CNICs or photocopies instead of accepting the digital version.
In an official statement, NADRA said such practices violate the existing legal and regulatory framework governing digital identity. The authority explained that Digital Identity Regulations introduced under the NADRA Ordinance grant legal recognition to digital identity credentials.
According to the regulations, digital IDs are considered valid proof of identity. NADRA noted that accepting digital identity cards can help reduce unnecessary photocopying of documents, protect citizens’ personal data, and prevent the misuse of identity information.
The authority directed government departments, public institutions, financial organizations, and telecom operators to comply with these regulations. Citizens who face difficulties in using their digital IDs can submit complaints through NADRA’s official complaint system.
NADRA also stated that it is working on a secure digital identity framework designed to verify individuals and enable access to digital documents and services. The system will support secure identification and authentication while ensuring privacy, user consent, and data protection during digital interactions.
The authority further explained that Verifiable Credentials are digital forms of key documents such as CNICs, educational degrees, and licences. These documents can be stored securely online and shared digitally when needed.
This system allows individuals to confirm their identity or qualifications without carrying physical documents, while keeping the information secure, instantly verifiable, and fully controlled by the user.
Earlier, the federal government approved amendments to the National Identity Card Rules, 2002, and the Pakistan Origin Card Rules, 2002. The changes introduce QR code–based verification to strengthen fraud prevention and enhance public facilitation.
NADRA said these reforms aim to modernize Pakistan’s identity documentation system by incorporating QR-based verification, improving authentication for digital services, expanding biometric recognition, and updating card formats for various categories of citizens.
The initiative is expected to make identity verification faster and more transparent across government institutions and regulated sectors while reducing manual procedures and minimizing the risk of fraud and impersonation.
