In a major push toward a “Paperless Pakistan,” the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued a stern warning to all public and private institutions. Despite the technology being available, many departments in cities like Faisalabad and across the country still insist on physical cards or paper copies—a practice NADRA now declares is “contrary to the legal framework.”
The Legal Foundation
NADRA has clarified that digital credentials are not just “references” but valid legal documents.
- Ordinance Power: Under Regulations 9 and 10 of the NADRA Ordinance, a digital ID is a certified proof of identity.
- Ending “Photocopy Culture”: One of the primary goals is to stop the unnecessary collection of CNIC photocopies, which often end up in the wrong hands, leading to identity theft or unauthorized SIM activations.
- Data Protection: Digital IDs allow for “Verification without Storage,” meaning an institution can verify you via a QR code without needing to keep a physical copy of your card.
⚡ Big news for #Pakistan @NadraPak‘s Digital ID available in the Pak ID app is now fully legally equivalent to your physical CNIC, NICOP, or POC under the 2025 Digital Identity Regulations.
The legal backing will boost Pakistan’s digital transformation and put an end to the… pic.twitter.com/zJt5IzJqpi
— Shafek Koreshe (@shafeKoreshe) March 13, 2026
Who Must Comply?
The directive specifically targets sectors that are most prone to demanding physical documentation:
- Financial Institutions: Banks and Microfinance providers (including JazzCash/EasyPaisa agents).
- Telecom Operators: For SIM activation and biometric re-verification.
- Law Enforcement: During routine checks or at security pickets.
- Government Offices: Including Passport offices, Excise & Taxation, and Land Records.
Facing Refusal? How to Lodge a Complaint
If an officer or an institution refuses to accept your digital CNIC through the Pak Identity App, NADRA has provided a formal path for recourse:
- The Complaint Management System (CMS): Visit the NADRA official portal to lodge a formal complaint.
- Citizen Portal: You can also report the specific department via the Pakistan Citizen’s Portal (app).
- Reference the Law: Often, simply informing the official about NADRA Regulations 9 and 10 is enough to resolve the issue on the spot.
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