Pakistan rolls out facial recognition to fix biometric verification failures

Pakistan’s national identity authority has launched a facial recognition–based biometric verification system after widespread complaints over fingerprint verification failures.

The National Database and Registration Authority, known as NADRA, said the new system will help senior citizens and people with medical conditions who face difficulties verifying their identity through fingerprints.

A NADRA spokesperson said the measure was introduced on the instructions of the prime minister and the interior minister.

As part of the move, NADRA amended the National Identity Card Rules to broaden the legal definition of biometrics. The changes allow facial recognition to be used as an alternative form of biometric verification.

The facility has been enabled on the Pak-ID mobile application, which is used by citizens to access identity-related services.

Starting Jan. 20, all NADRA registration centers across the country will begin issuing facial recognition–based biometric verification certificates, the spokesperson said.

Citizens will be able to obtain the certificate by paying a nominal fee, as and when required.

In cases where fingerprint verification fails, citizens may visit their nearest NADRA Registration Center. After completing facial recognition, NADRA will issue a biometric verification certificate.

According to the spokesperson, the certificate will include the holder’s photograph, national identity card number, name, father’s name, a unique tracking ID and a QR code.

The certificate will be valid for seven days.

NADRA said it is fully prepared to implement the system and has asked relevant public and private sector institutions to make arrangements to accept the new verification method.

After Jan. 20, complaints about the non-availability of the facial recognition facility can be filed with the relevant institution or department, the spokesperson said.

NADRA added that following the issuance of Pakistan’s Digital ID, the facial recognition verification facility will also be made available directly through the Pak-ID mobile application.