The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Friday warned institutions that are not accepting digital ID cards as legal identity.
Moreover, in a post on X, NADRA said, “Some offices and service providers are still asking citizens to present a physical card or photocopy.
Digital ID equal to physical CNIC
NADRA has very clearly stated that the digital ID card is equivalent to the physical card, and clearly said to accept the digital ID available through NADRA services.
The refusal of institutions to accept the digital cards is inconsistent with the legal framework governing digital identity issued by NADRA.
How to get a Digital ID?
“The Digital ID and dematerialised CNIC, NICOP, and POC are available through the Pak ID mobile application of the National Database and Registration Authority and can be used as valid identity credentials,” said the authority in a post on X.
The digital ID card helps ensure the protection of citizens’ personal data, preventing the misuse of identity information.
Furthermore, under the NADRA Ordinance 2000, the NADRA Digital Identity Regulations 2025 officially recognise digital identity credentials issued by NADRA, especially under Regulations 9 and 10.
Use of Digital ID
Digital ID helps reduce the need for unnecessary photocopies of identity documents.
Government departments, public institutions, banks, telecom companies, and other service providers are advised to accept these digital credentials at their offices.
If a Digital ID is not accepted, citizens can file a complaint through NADRA’s official complaint management system so that action can be taken according to the law.
NADRA remains committed to providing secure and modern digital identity services.
