NIC rules amended to recognise facial, iris scans as biometric identities

The federal government has revised the National Identity Card (NIC) rules to recognise facial and iris scans, along with fingerprints, as biometric identification.

In a statement, the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) said that the changes have been introduced to strengthen the legal basis for a multi-biometric verification system in the country.

In light of the revised rules, Nadra has rolled out new technical features that allow biometric verification through contactless fingerprints and facial recognition. According to the authority, these facilities are already operational at Nadra registration centres and through the Pak-ID mobile application for services handled by the organisation.

Nadra said that the technology is already being used for biometric verification during the transfer of Islamabad-registered vehicles and for online passport applications.

It added that more services will be brought under the system in phases. Proof-of-life certificates for federal government pensioners are expected to be issued through the new biometric framework in the near future as part of the expansion.

From January 20, 2026, Nadra will begin issuing facial recognition-based biometric verification certificates at all its registration centres for citizens who are unable to verify their identity through fingerprints. These certificates will be issued against a nominal fee of Rs20 and can be obtained from any Nadra centre when required by an institution.

Under the procedure, if biometric verification based on fingerprints fails at a service provider’s end, the citizen will be directed to a nearby Nadra centre, where a fresh photograph will be taken. This image will be matched with the photograph already stored in Nadra’s database.

Once verification is successful, Nadra will issue a certificate mentioning the purpose of verification, the citizen’s latest photograph alongside the one on record, CNIC number, name, father’s name, a unique tracking ID and a QR code.

The verified certificate can then be submitted to the relevant institution, which will incorporate it into its records and confirm its authenticity online through Nadra’s system.