The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced enhanced security and verification features to Pakistan’s non-chip-based Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), aiming to improve data authentication and support citizens without chip-enabled IDs.
According to NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar, the upgraded non-chip CNICs will now carry a secure, scannable QR code and advanced text-based information. These features are designed to facilitate identity verification even in remote regions and for citizens who cannot afford or access chip-based cards.
The addition of the QR code allows digital systems to quickly scan and verify ID details with greater accuracy and speed. This advancement aligns with NADRA’s ongoing digital transformation strategy, which focuses on enhancing inclusivity, data integrity, and public service efficiency.
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Chairman Afsar emphasized that the move aims to ensure no citizen is left behind as the country’s digital systems advance. While chip-based CNICs remain more secure and versatile, a large segment of the population still uses non-chip versions. The new updates ensure these citizens can still benefit from digital services such as biometric authentication and online verification.
This initiative is part of a broader NADRA agenda to strengthen national identity infrastructure and expand secure access to government and private services. The inclusion of QR codes on ID cards brings Pakistan in line with international best practices for identity verification, without compromising accessibility for underprivileged or rural populations.
The development is also expected to assist banks, telecom companies, and government departments in verifying customer identities more efficiently, reducing fraud risks and administrative burdens.
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As NADRA continues to digitize its systems, the introduction of these smart enhancements to non-chip CNICs reflects a critical step toward building a more inclusive and secure digital identity ecosystem in Pakistan.
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