NADRA to launch online biometric verification via PakID app

According to an official letter obtained by Minute Mirror, NADRA has completed development of the digital biometric facility and expects to make it operational in the first week of

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is preparing to launch a new online biometric verification facility through its PakID mobile application, potentially easing a long-standing requirement for overseas Pakistanis, individual taxpayers and sole proprietors.

According to an official letter obtained by Minute Mirror, NADRA has completed development of the digital biometric facility and expects to make it operational in the first week of September 2026, subject to final arrangements.

The letter, dated August 28, was issued in response to concerns raised by the Faisalabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry regarding difficulties faced by taxpayers and business owners in completing mandatory annual biometric verification.

NADRA Chief of Staff Colonel (Retd) Noman Aziz said the new facility has been developed to provide citizens with a remote authentication option through the PakID application. Once operational, eligible users will be able to complete biometric verification digitally without having to visit a NADRA registration centre or an e-Sahulat franchise.

The facility is expected to particularly benefit overseas Pakistanis, who often face logistical difficulties in completing verification while living abroad, as well as individual taxpayers and sole proprietors who currently have to rely on physical verification channels.

NADRA has also taken up the matter with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through a formal arrangement aimed at having PakID biometric verification recognised as an alternative authentication mechanism alongside the existing e-Sahulat service.

The development follows a formal request submitted by the Faisalabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry to NADRA on August 22, highlighting the difficulties encountered by small traders, sole proprietors and overseas Pakistanis in meeting the annual biometric requirement.

The proposed digital facility is expected to reduce physical visits, waiting times and administrative hurdles while making biometric verification more accessible to citizens both inside and outside Pakistan.

NADRA said the initiative is part of its broader commitment to developing seamless digital authentication services and supporting the government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda.

If the planned rollout takes place as scheduled, the PakID facility could also help streamline interactions between taxpayers and government institutions by providing a more convenient digital verification mechanism.