The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new chipless National Identity Card featuring a secure QR code, in a move aimed at promoting self-reliance and making digital identity verification more accessible.

The new card has been manufactured in Pakistan by the National Security Printing Company (NSPC), Karachi, in accordance with NADRA’s technical and security requirements. The design replaces the imported microchip with a secure QR code, reducing dependence on foreign-sourced components while facilitating digital verification.

The federal government approved the issuance of the new card on Feb 23 this year. The QR code can be read and verified using a smartphone through the Pak Identity (PakID) mobile application.

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The QR code will contain relevant information about the cardholder, along with their photograph. This will enable institutions to capture names, addresses and other required identity information more easily and consistently in their computerised systems, while reducing data-entry errors.

The new card will also display the family number and specific symbols identifying persons with disabilities, senior citizens, organ donors and citizens of the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The cardholder’s name and address will be printed in both Urdu and English.

NADRA said the card’s visible and covert security features had also been updated to meet current requirements and align with domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The chip-based Smart National Identity Card was introduced approximately 14 years ago. However, its chip-enabled functions could not be used as intended because chip readers and the supporting infrastructure were not available.

The QR code-based card is intended to address this constraint by allowing verification through an ordinary smartphone or appropriate software connected to a camera.

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Telecom operators, banks, hospitals, Pakistan Railways, police and other authorised institutions will also be provided with software to read and verify the QR code on the card.

The new card is being introduced in phases. In the first phase, beginning on Aug 14, the QR code-based card will replace the standard National Identity Card only.

From January 2027, the new format will also be issued for all categories of national identity cards, including the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) and Juvenile Cards.

In the final phase, the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) will also transition to the chipless, QR code-based format.

All types of identity cards already issued will remain valid until their respective expiry dates.