Pakistanis sponsoring foreign nationals for a Pakistani visa can now complete the mandatory biometric verification process from home through the Pak Identity mobile application, following the launch of a new free service by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
The new facility allows sponsors to verify their biometrics using their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) without visiting a NADRA office or paying any additional charges. The service is available for visa applications submitted through the Pakistan Online Visa System.
Step-by-step guide for visa sponsors
- Submit the foreign national’s visa application through the Pakistan Online Visa System.
- The sponsor will receive an email containing the visa application details.
- Download and log in to the Pak Identity mobile application.
- First-time users must create an account using their email address and complete fingerprint and facial verification.
- After account activation, select the “Visa Sponsor Biometric Verification” option.
- Complete the biometric verification using your mobile phone.
- Once the process is completed successfully, a “Verification Successful” confirmation message will appear.
- The visa application’s status will be updated automatically, allowing further processing to continue.
According to NADRA, the digital service has been introduced to simplify the visa sponsorship process by enabling sponsors to complete biometric verification remotely.
On the other hand, NADRA has cancelled 4.2 million Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) after identifying that their holders had been registered as deceased in official civil records.
The move is part of a nationwide verification drive aimed at improving the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of Pakistan’s national identity database.
According to details, NADRA recently completed a major verification exercise aimed at enhancing the transparency and credibility of Pakistan’s national identity system. As part of this process, civil registration records were cross-checked with the national citizens database, leading to the cancellation of 4.2 million CNICs that remained active despite the deaths of their holders.
NADRA officials said the cancellations were carried out in accordance with the NADRA Ordinance and the National Identity Card Rules.
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