Biometric verification has become a standard part of daily life in Pakistan, required for everything from activating a SIM card to transferring property. However, for many citizens particularly the elderly or those with certain medical conditions this process can be a source of immense frustration. Why? Because fingerprints often fade with age, leading to repeated verification failures at banks and government offices.
Compounded by substandard fingerprint readers at various service points, this issue has left many unable to access essential services. Recognizing this challenge, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control have directed NADRA to implement a solution.
The result is a new, robust system for facial recognition-based biometric verification. This guide explores how this new system works, the fees involved, and when you can expect to use it.
The Shift from Fingerprints to Facial Recognition
To address the issue of unreadable fingerprints, the Federal Government, upon NADRA’s recommendation, amended the National Identity Card Rules. This legal update expands the definition of “biometrics” beyond just fingerprints. Now, facial photographs and iris scans are legally recognized as valid identifiers.
This amendment lays the groundwork for a multi-biometric verification system. It ensures that if your fingerprints fail, you aren’t locked out of the system—your face can act as your key.
Current Availability and Use Cases
NADRA has already introduced technical innovations to enable contactless fingerprint and facial recognition. Currently, this system is available through:
- NADRA Registration Centres: For in-person verification.
- Pak ID Mobile Application: For digital services.
The system is already operational for specific high-priority services, including:
- Transfer of Islamabad-registered vehicles.
- Online passport applications.
In the near future, the system will expand to include proof-of-life certificates for Federal Government pensioners, streamlining a process that has historically been difficult for senior citizens.
The New Verification Procedure (Starting January 2026)
Starting January 20, 2026, NADRA will launch a standardized facial recognition-based biometric verification certificate at all its registration centers. This service is specifically designed for citizens whose fingerprint verification is not possible.
Here is the step-by-step process for obtaining this verification:
1. Failed Fingerprint Verification
If you visit a service provider (like a bank or telecom franchise) and your fingerprint verification fails, you will need to visit the nearest NADRA Registration Centre.
2. Facial Capture
At the center, a NADRA official will take a fresh photograph of you.
3. Database Matching
This new photo will be instantly matched against the image already stored in NADRA’s existing records.
4. Certificate Issuance
Upon successful matching, NADRA will issue a biometric verification certificate. This document will contain:
- The purpose of the verification.
- Your recent photograph alongside your record photograph.
- Your CNIC number, name, and father’s name.
- A unique tracking ID and a QR code.
5. Submission
You will take this certificate back to the institution where your biometric verification was originally required. They will scan the QR code or use the tracking ID to verify the certificate online through NADRA’s system.
Note: This certificate is valid for seven days only.
Fee Structure
NADRA has kept this service highly affordable to ensure accessibility for all citizens.
- Fee: Rs 20
- Location: Any NADRA Registration Centre
Future Expansion: e-Sahulat and Digital ID
NADRA has outlined a phased rollout to make this technology ubiquitous across Pakistan.
- Phase 1 (e-Sahulat): In the future, facial image-based biometric verification certificates will be available through NADRA’s e-Sahulat franchises, bringing the service closer to local neighborhoods.
- Phase 2 (Pak-ID App): Following the formal launch of the Digital ID, this facility will be accessible for all services directly through the Pak-ID mobile application. This means citizens will eventually be able to verify their identity from the comfort of their homes without visiting a center.
Challenges and Institutional Upgrades
While NADRA is technically prepared to implement this system, its success depends on the cooperation of other institutions. Banks, telecom operators, and government departments need to upgrade their infrastructure.
NADRA has requested public and private sector organizations to update their hardware and software in two phases:
- Software Integration: Updating applications to accept and verify NADRA’s facial recognition certificates.
- Hardware Installation: Installing cameras at service counters or integrating them into existing KYC (Know Your Customer) biometric machines.
Without these upgrades, service providers cannot offer direct facial verification. If you face issues regarding the availability of this service after January 20, 2026, NADRA advises lodging complaints with the relevant institution, as the capability is already active on NADRA’s end.
A Commitment to Innovation and Security
This initiative marks a significant step toward digital inclusion in Pakistan. By moving beyond fingerprint-only verification, NADRA is resolving a long-standing hurdle for senior citizens and manual laborers with faded prints.
As we approach the full rollout in 2026, NADRA reaffirms its commitment to using technology to enhance service delivery while maintaining strict safeguards against identity fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible for facial recognition verification?
This service is primarily for citizens whose fingerprints cannot be read by standard biometric scanners due to age, medical conditions, or skin issues.
Can I use the Pak-ID app for this verification right now?
Currently, the app supports facial recognition for specific services like vehicle transfers (Islamabad) and passport applications. The general verification facility for other institutions will be rolled out on the app after the launch of Digital ID.
What happens if the bank refuses my NADRA certificate?
After January 20, 2026, institutions are expected to accept these certificates. If they refuse due to a lack of system upgrades, you should lodge a complaint with that specific institution or department.
Is the Rs 20 fee a one-time payment?
The Rs 20 fee applies each time you need to generate a specific verification certificate from a NADRA center. The certificate is valid for seven days.
