ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has entered a new digital era as the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) officially launched the country’s first Digital Identity Card. The announcement was made on Monday during a grand event marking NADRA’s 25th anniversary.
The ceremony, held at NADRA headquarters, celebrated two major milestones — the launch of the Digital Identity Card and NADRA’s silver jubilee in national identity services. The event was attended by several top officials and dignitaries.
NADRA’s founding chairman, retired Major General Zahid Ehsan, was the chief guest. In his speech, he recalled the early days of the institution. He praised the rapid growth NADRA has shown over the years. He said NADRA had not only fulfilled its original mission but continued to reach new heights in innovation and progress.
The new Digital Identity Card will be available through the Pak ID mobile application. This means citizens will no longer need to carry their physical ID cards. The mobile-based identity will serve as a legal identification document for all purposes.
Soon, digital verification systems will also be introduced. These will support various authentication processes under the World Bank-backed Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP). A trial project of this fully digital ID will be launched on August 14, 2025.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent congratulatory messages to NADRA. Both leaders appreciated the authority’s commitment to digital transformation and secure identity services.
President Zardari acknowledged NADRA’s work in giving citizens a unique and legal identity. He said this has strengthened the bond between the state and its people. He urged the authority to make better use of new technologies and maintain the highest level of public service.
Prime Minister Sharif also praised NADRA’s achievements. He highlighted the department’s role in empowering people and improving access to services. He emphasized the importance of digital systems in economic development and social inclusion. He also appreciated NADRA’s work in data integration and Artificial Intelligence modeling.
Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, called the launch of the Digital Identity Card a big step forward. He appreciated NADRA’s wide network, which makes identity services available across the country — even in remote areas — and to overseas Pakistanis. He also highlighted NADRA’s role in national security, governance, and public administration.
A commemorative coin was unveiled by the State Bank of Pakistan, and Pakistan Post introduced a special stamp to celebrate the silver jubilee. A documentary film and a book covering NADRA’s 25-year journey were also presented at the ceremony.
Past chairmen, board members, the special secretary of the Interior Ministry, the chief statistician from PBS, the DG of Immigration and Passport, and other senior NADRA officials also participated in the event.
The introduction of the Digital Identity Card reflects Pakistan’s commitment to modern digital solutions. This digital ID, along with its electronic alternatives, is set to revolutionize how citizens prove their identity and access services.
With this innovative step, NADRA has once again proven its leadership in secure identity management and digital transformation.
