Pakistan’s Tariq Malik highlights identity challenges at Global Conference in Amsterdam

Pakistan’s IT expert and former Chairman of NADRA, Tariq Malik, addressed the Identity Week Europe Conference held in Amsterdam

Pakistan’s IT expert and former Chairman of NADRA, Tariq Malik, addressed the Identity Week Europe Conference held in Amsterdam, where he served as one of the keynote speakers.

During a session, he was asked about the biggest challenge faced by countries where a large number of people still do not have formal identification documents. He responded that the issue is rarely about technology.
Drawing on his experience working on identity systems across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, Malik said the main barriers include distance from registration centres, poverty, weak civil registration systems, exclusion of women and vulnerable groups, and lack of trust in institutions.
He stressed that technology can support solutions but cannot resolve these challenges alone. Real progress, he said, depends on political commitment, strong administration, and ensuring access for all citizens.
He cited Malawi as a key example, where more than 10 million adults were registered within 180 days, achieving near-universal coverage. According to him, the success was driven not by advanced technology but by effective governance, coordination, and a focused national effort.
The conference also featured discussions on advanced digital identity systems, including Estonia’s transition toward integrated digital ecosystems. Speakers highlighted how identity is evolving from physical cards to digital and “phygital” systems that enable access to government services, financial inclusion, and social protection.
Malik also referred to Pakistan’s progress in digital identity, including initiatives like the Pak-ID mobile application launched in 2021, noting that identity systems are increasingly becoming platforms for broader digital governance.
He emphasized that identity systems should not be viewed as technology projects alone but as nation-building frameworks. He added that governments must retain control over governance, data, and system architecture, while vendors should only play a supporting role.
According to Malik, identity in the digital era goes beyond verification and has become central to inclusion, opportunity, and trust in modern societies.
The conference in Amsterdam brought together more than 4,500 participants from around the world. Recently, Tariq Malik was also named among the Top 25 Identity Experts globally.