ISLAMABAD: under the “One Nation, One Identity” vision, the federal government has issued a notification regarding amendments to the rules governing the National Identity Card and Pakistan Origin Card.
The amendments aim to modernize the identification system and provide legal protection to the new QR code-based verification process.
The new guidelines permit the use of QR codes or other advanced technologies as an alternative to microchips. As part of the new system, all verification and authentication services for suspended identity cards will be immediately discontinued. The biometric system will be further enhanced, incorporating clearer fingerprint and iris scan requirements for more robust identification.
A special lifetime identity card will be introduced for senior citizens, aged 60 or above. These cards will feature a prominent “Senior Citizen” logo. Additionally, the new rules mandate that residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will have to have a special entry on their cards to distinguish their status.
The amendments grant NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) the authority to adapt to changing technologies, eliminating the need for frequent revisions of the rules. The preparation for strengthening the digital ID system through the National Data Exchange Layer is also underway.
To combat fraud and identity theft, stringent verification controls have been implemented. New smart formats for the identity cards of overseas Pakistanis, people with disabilities, organ donors, and children’s certificates have also been introduced. The new design will ensure uniformity of identity cards nationwide, incorporating modern security features.
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