NADRA launches ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’ digital portal to streamline identity verification

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new digital identity verification system titled “Nishan-e-Pakistan”, aimed at streamlining and securing the process of verifying citizens’ identity documents for government and regulated private institutions.

In Pakistan, when a citizen approaches a bank to open an account or deposit funds, the bank verifies the individual’s identity through NADRA to confirm the authenticity of the provided documents. This process may involve directing the individual to obtain a certificate from NADRA or conducting biometric verification through existing devices.

With the growing need for identity verification across sectors, pressure on NADRA has increased significantly, as institutions regularly seek biometric and identity authentication services. In response, NADRA has now launched the new web-based portal to provide a centralised, digital solution for identity verification, registration and subscription services.

According to NADRA, Nishan-e-Pakistan is a comprehensive online platform that will offer all registration, subscription and identity verification facilities to government bodies and regulated private sector organisations at a single access point.

Previously, onboarding institutions faced lengthy documentation procedures and multiple approval stages, causing delays and administrative complexities.

The new system is expected to make the process faster, more transparent and fully digital.

Through the portal, banks, microfinance institutions, non-banking financial institutions, telecommunication companies and other regulated entities will gain streamlined access to NADRA services. Registered institutions will be able to utilise features such as multi-biometric verification, fingerprint authentication, proof-of-life verification and Single Sign-On (SSO) services.

The NADRA stated that the initiative aims to make identity verification more secure, efficient and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, while ensuring data protection and prompt service delivery.

The authority said that the system aligns with the government of Pakistan’s Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations, with the objective of improving transparency and security in electronic and digital services.

Data access concerns addressed

Addressing concerns about direct access to citizens’ data, NADRA clarified that government and regulated private institutions will only have access to identity verification services, not to the database itself.

The system has been structured in a way that institutions cannot automatically store or retain citizens’ data.

Under the new framework, public and private banks, microfinance platforms such as Easypaisa and JazzCash, regulated online businesses and other institutions will be able to benefit from the facility.

Cybersecurity challenges

Cybersecurity expert Muhammad Asad ur Rehman welcomed the initiative, stating that moving away from traditional verification systems — which involved greater human intervention in document checks — towards a comprehensive online portal is a positive development.

However, he cautioned that such centralised portals can become high-value targets for cyberattacks, stressing that NADRA must implement robust cybersecurity measures.

He further recommended that NADRA adopt a “need-to-know” approach when sharing information with institutions, ensuring that each entity receives only the data necessary for its operations, while the bulk of citizens’ information remains securely stored within NADRA’s systems.

The launch of Nishan-e-Pakistan marks a significant step in Pakistan’s broader push towards digital governance, though experts underline that strong data protection safeguards will be critical to maintaining public trust.