Islamabad – The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new locally manufactured card in a major change to the national identity document system. The new card will use a secure QR code instead of the traditional microchip.
According to NADRA, the new card is made of polycarbonate. It has been manufactured by the National Security Printing Company Karachi in Pakistan in accordance with NADRA’s technical and security requirements.
The main objective of the new system is to make identity verification easier. Citizens will be able to scan the QR code on the card using a common smartphone and the Pak ID mobile app.
According to NADRA, it will be possible to verify relevant identity information through the code. This method can reduce the need to enter manual data in various institutions.
This change is important for government institutions as well as the private sector. According to NADRA, software will be provided to telecom companies, banks, hospitals, railways, police and other authorised institutions to verify the QR code.
The new card will include a photograph along with essential information related to the identity of the citizen. According to NADRA, this system can help reduce human errors in entering names, addresses and other identification information.
Specific symbols have also been placed on the card to identify different citizen categories. These include special symbols for senior citizens and disabled people.
Similarly, there will be a separate symbol for organ donors. An identification symbol has also been added for citizens of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The name and address will be listed on the new card in both Urdu and English. This can help reduce language-related difficulties in using the document.
NADRA has started the phased distribution of the new card from August 14, 2026. However, the already issued identity cards will not be canceled immediately.
According to NADRA, the existing identity cards will continue to be usable until their due date. Citizens will not need to make an immediate change just because of the new design.
The government had also approved changes to the National Identity Card and Pakistan Origin Card rules in February 2026. These amendments included the scope for verification through QR codes and modernising the security system of identity documents.
An important aspect of this move by NADRA is also local production. The use of QR codes instead of microchips has been an attempt to reduce dependence on imported chips.
The QR code-based system is planned to be expanded to more identity documents from January 2027. This phase will include other relevant identity documents, including NICOP and Juvenile Card.
In a later phase, the Pakistan Origin Card will also be migrated to a chipless QR code format. This could create greater uniformity in the design and verification system of various identity documents of NADRA.
Pakistan is already providing several services related to identity documents online through PakID. According to NADRA’s Services Charter, the mobile app gives citizens access to various registration and identity services through smartphones.
The real challenge with the new card will not be just the use of technology but its safe and responsible implementation. Identity information is sensitive in nature, so effective data security and access arrangements in the authentication system will be important.
Overall, NADRA’s new card is an attempt to move Pakistan’s identity system towards a more digital and local technology. During the phased implementation, the practical performance of the system and its use in institutions will become clear.
