NADRA to introduce latest self-service kiosks for NIC renewal, reissuance

KARACHI: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is about to introduce self-service kiosks in Karachi allowing citizens to renew expired smart national identity cards (NICs) and reissue lost ones without hassle of standing in long queues, according to The Express Tribune.

Initially, these kiosks will be installed at NADRA mega centres, with plans to expand to airports, railway stations, and shopping malls across the city.

The new tech-savvy kiosks were displayed at NADRA’s stall during the IDEAS Exhibition at Karachi’s Expo Centre. Through these automated systems, citizens will be able to handle the entire process themselves—whether it is renewing or reissuing their NICs.

This includes taking photos, recording thumb impressions, and entering details eliminating the need for staff assistance.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, NADRA Assistant Director Ammar Haider mentioned that the kiosks are currently in trial phase. Once fully operational, they will be installed at Karachi’s Mega Centres, following their successful implementation at the Mega Centre in Islamabad.

Haider explained that the process is simple. Users will input their previous NIC details, complete biometric verification, take a photo, and receive a QR code for payment. They can then pay through JazzCash or Easypaisa by entering the payment reference code.

In the next phase, NADRA plans to integrate point-of-sale (POS) system within the kiosks allowing users to pay via debit or credit cards. After the roll-out in Mega Centres, these kiosks will be gradually installed at other high-traffic locations like airports, railway stations, and shopping malls.

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