NADRA Introduces Facial Recognition for Biometric Verification Across Pakistan

Published On: January 22, 2026

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced facial recognition-based biometric verification, offering major relief to citizens whose fingerprints have faded due to age, medical conditions, or poor-quality biometric devices.

Many Pakistanis face repeated problems while verifying their identity at banks, SIM franchises, property offices, and housing societies, where fingerprint verification is mandatory. Despite facilitative instructions issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), practical challenges have continued.

Biometric Laws Amended to Include Facial Recognition

On NADRA’s recommendation, the Federal Government amended the National Identity Card Rules, officially expanding the definition of biometrics.

Under the new rules, the following are now legally recognised biometric identifiers:

Fingerprints
Facial photographs
Iris scans

This amendment provides a strong legal framework for a multi-biometric verification system in Pakistan.

Contactless Biometric Verification Now Available

Based on this legal approval, NADRA has introduced contactless fingerprint and facial recognition technology.

Currently, this system is available:

At NADRA Registration Centres
Through the Pak-ID mobile application
For Islamabad vehicle transfers
For online passport applications

The scope of services is being expanded in phases.

Facial Verification Certificates from January 20, 2026

Starting 20 January 2026, NADRA will issue facial recognition-based biometric verification certificates at all NADRA Registration Centres for citizens whose fingerprint verification fails.

Key details include:

Fee: Rs 20 only
Validity: 7 days
Available nationwide

How the New Verification Process Works

If fingerprint verification fails at any institution:

The citizen visits the nearest NADRA Registration Centre
A fresh photograph is taken
The image is matched with NADRA’s database
A verification certificate is issued containing:
- Purpose of verification
- Recent and record photographs
- CNIC number
- Name and father’s name
- Unique tracking ID
- QR code for online verification

The concerned institution can verify the certificate directly through NADRA’s system.

Future Expansion and Digital ID Integration

In the coming months:

Proof-of-life certificates for federal pensioners will be issued through facial recognition
The service will be extended to e-Sahulat franchises
After the formal launch of Digital ID, verification will be available directly via the Pak-ID app

Eventually, citizens will be able to complete biometric verification without visiting NADRA offices.

Institutions Asked to Upgrade Systems

For full implementation, NADRA has requested:

Regulators and institutions to upgrade software systems
Installation or integration of cameras at service counters
Compliance with NADRA-approved biometric standards

Without these upgrades, institutions will not be able to offer direct facial verification services.

NADRA Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Innovation

NADRA stated that it is fully prepared to implement the system and has requested the Ministry of Interior to issue formal instructions to all relevant institutions.

The authority emphasized that the new system will significantly reduce identity verification problems while strengthening safeguards against fraud and misuse.