Islamabad, December 31, 2025: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) announced on Wednesday that it will begin issuing facial recognition-based biometric verification certificates at all registration centres starting January 20, 2026. The service is aimed at citizens whose fingerprint-based verification is not possible.
The move follows amendments to the National Identity Card Rules, which now legally recognise facial photographs and iris scans alongside fingerprints as valid biometric identifiers.
According to NADRA, if a citizen’s fingerprint verification fails at a service provider’s end, they can visit the nearest registration centre to have a fresh photograph taken, which will be matched with the image already stored in NADRA’s records. Upon successful verification, a certificate will be issued containing the purpose of verification, the citizen’s recent and recorded photographs, CNIC number, name, father’s name, a unique tracking ID, and a QR code.
The certificate will remain valid for seven days, allowing citizens to submit it to relevant institutions such as banks, SIM card franchises, housing societies, or property offices, where the institution can verify the certificate online through NADRA.
This facility is expected to assist citizens whose fingerprints have faded due to age or medical conditions, addressing difficulties often faced during mandatory biometric verification processes.
Looking ahead, NADRA plans to extend the service through its e-Sahulat franchises. Following the formal launch of the Digital ID, the facial recognition-based verification will also be accessible through the Pak-ID application for all services.
The authority has urged all regulators, public institutions, and private sector organisations to upgrade their hardware and software according to approved standards to enable integration with this service.
In the first phase, institutions will need to update software applications to support NADRA’s facial recognition certificates. In the second phase, cameras will need to be installed at service counters or integrated into existing KYC biometric machines.
“Upon full implementation, citizens will be able to avail this facility directly at relevant institutions without visiting a NADRA Registration Centre,” the authority added.
