Nadra is trying to make the computerized national ID cards (Nicop) digital wallets under the government’s Digital Pakistan vision.
Nadra is the National Database and Registration Authority of Pakistan. They will issue an update to an already existing app later this year.
Nadra’s chief Tariq Malik said in an exclusive talk with a news channel:
“Translating this vision into reality, we have launched the ‘Pak Identity’ mobile app. It is 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. It also scans documents needed for processing a person’s ID card using smartphones. All this is done without visiting a Nadra office or embassy.”
Furthermore, Nadra’s Chief explained:
“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.” The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Moreover, 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.
He also said:
“With successful testing on 75,000 overseas Pakistanis, Nadra will go for a National ID cards digital wallets”
What is Nadra ID cards digital wallet
Moreover, the Nadra chairman explained the features of digital wallets, saying:
“It would be a unique digital ID. This innovation will revolutionize the national ID eco-system in Pakistan by ensuring public convenience, and is a leap forward putting an end to the conventional physical ID.”
Furthermore, Nadra’s Chairman added:
“The digital dividends of such technology innovation will yield positive results in contactless banking, financial inclusion, ease of doing business, and e-governance initiatives by offering remote identification and electronic-know your customer (e-KYC).”
Nadra has registered 120 million adults to date. It is 96% of the total population aged 18+, with Balochistan constituting 83% registration, while others constituting over 96%.
Nadra Chairman also said:
“Nadra is going to open centers in the remaining 20 of the total 517 tehsils in the country by June.”
He added that the Nadra will also launch 96 mobile vans, taking their number to 356 countrywide.
Electronic Voting Machines and Nadra
Regarding the thorny issue of the use of EVMs in future elections and Nadra’s role in the verification of data, the authority’s chairman said:
“EVM or no EVM, polls will hold through the Nadra data. However, the authority has no role in the operation of the machine. Operating EVMs is under the Election Commission’s domain.”
