The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has unveiled a new digital platform titled Nishan-e-Pakistan, aimed at modernising and securing identity verification for government and regulated private institutions across Pakistan.
The initiative comes as demand for biometric and identity authentication services continues to surge, particularly from banks, financial institutions, telecom companies, and digital platforms. Traditionally, citizens were often required to visit NADRA offices for certificates or biometric verification, adding pressure on the authority and causing delays for institutions.
Centralised Online Solution for Institutions
According to NADRA, Nishan-e-Pakistan is a comprehensive web-based portal that offers all registration, subscription, and identity verification services through a single digital access point. The platform replaces lengthy paperwork and multiple approval layers with a faster, transparent, and fully digital onboarding process.
Through the portal, institutions such as commercial banks, microfinance banks, non-banking financial institutions, telecom operators, and regulated fintech platforms will gain streamlined access to NADRA’s services.
Advanced Biometric and Security Features
Registered organisations will be able to use advanced verification tools, including multi-biometric authentication, fingerprint verification, proof-of-life checks, and Single Sign-On (SSO) services. NADRA stated that these features are designed to enhance efficiency while ensuring strict compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
Importantly, NADRA clarified that institutions will not have direct access to its database. Instead, they will only be able to verify identities through secure queries, and the system will not allow automatic storage or retention of citizens’ personal data.
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Alignment With Digital Economy and FATF Standards
NADRA noted that Nishan-e-Pakistan aligns with Pakistan’s Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements. The portal aims to improve transparency, strengthen digital governance, and enhance trust in electronic services nationwide.
Under the new framework, public and private banks, mobile wallet services like Easypaisa and JazzCash, regulated online businesses, and other authorised entities are expected to benefit from faster and more secure verification processes.
Cybersecurity Experts Urge Strong Safeguards
Cybersecurity expert Muhammad Asad ur Rehman welcomed the move, calling it a positive shift away from manual verification systems that relied heavily on human intervention. However, he cautioned that centralised digital portals can become high-value targets for cyberattacks.
He stressed the need for robust cybersecurity protocols and recommended a strict “need-to-know” data-sharing model, ensuring institutions receive only essential information while the bulk of citizens’ data remains securely protected within NADRA’s systems.
A Step Forward in Digital Governance
The launch of Nishan-e-Pakistan marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s transition toward digital governance and secure electronic services. While the system promises greater efficiency and transparency, experts agree that strong data protection measures will be critical to maintaining public confidence.
