Pakistan’s Tariq Malik receives double global recognition in digital identity and public infrastructure

Former National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) chairman Tariq Malik has received two major international recognitions in 2026

NEW YORK / ISLAMABAD: Former National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) chairman Tariq Malik has received two major international recognitions in 2026 for his work in digital identity, digital governance and digital public infrastructure.

Malik was named among Okta’s 2026 Identity 25, a global list highlighting 25 individuals working to advance digital identity, security and trust in the age of artificial intelligence.

Okta officially announced the 2026 Identity 25 on May 4, with Malik listed among the honourees alongside international experts from technology, government, cybersecurity and identity sectors. His recognition was also highlighted through the presentation of the honourees on the Nasdaq billboard in New York’s Times Square.

Okta’s report highlighted Malik’s more than 25 years of experience advising governments and multilateral institutions on digital identity and civil registration systems. It also noted his role in leading one of the world’s largest biometric registration efforts during his tenure at NADRA, where more than 145 million Pakistanis were enrolled.

The NADRA digital identity infrastructure has been used for a range of public-sector applications, including social protection, digital payments, biometric authentication and other government services. SECOND GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Malik has now also been included in the DPI 50, a 2026 initiative by Apolitical in collaboration with the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on GovTech and Digital Public Infrastructure.

The DPI 50 recognises 50 public leaders working to develop and implement digital public infrastructure, including digital identity, digital payments and data-exchange systems. Apolitical says the initiative focuses on leaders delivering citizen-centred digital services while addressing issues such as trust, inclusion, interoperability and data protection.

The official DPI 50 profile describes Malik as a global adviser on digital identity governance and safe digital public infrastructure. It highlights his work at NADRA and his previous role as Chief Technical Adviser at the United Nations Development Programme, including work supporting the development of a national identity system in Malawi.

Reacting to the recognition, Malik said he was “humbled” and described himself as a “student” and “lifelong learner”. He said his work across Pakistan, Malawi and other countries had reinforced his belief that digital public infrastructure is ultimately about people, trust and the relationship between citizens and the state.

FROM NADRA TO GLOBAL DIGITAL GOVERNANCE

Malik currently serves as a Technical Advisor at the World Bank, where his work focuses on digital public infrastructure and digital identity. The DPI 50 profile says he advises governments and institutions across Africa, Asia and other regions on building inclusive and resilient digital systems.

His two recognitions in 2026 place his work in both the digital identity and broader digital public infrastructure fields.

From helping expand Pakistan’s biometric identity infrastructure to advising governments internationally, Malik’s career has centred on using technology to strengthen identification, public-service delivery and inclusion.

The twin recognitions also highlight the growing international focus on digital identity and public infrastructure as governments seek secure, trusted and accessible digital services for citizens.