ISLAMABAD (HRNW): The Government of Pakistan has officially notified significant upgrades to the security and verification framework of the National Identity Card (NIC) system. Under the newly amended National Identity Card Rules of 2026, the definition of biometrics has been legally expanded to include iris scans and facial recognition alongside traditional fingerprints. This regulatory shift, introduced via S.R.O. 330(I)/2026, aims to create a more robust multi-modal biometric foundation to curb identity theft and fraud.
The new rules provide a critical solution for citizens—particularly the elderly and those with medical conditions—who often face difficulties with faded or unreadable fingerprints during bank transactions or SIM verifications. According to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), facial recognition-based verification certificates are now being issued at registration centers for such individuals, offering a secure and contactless alternative. Additionally, the government has integrated QR-based verification into the identity framework to enhance digital authentication and ensure faster, transparent processing across both public and private sectors.
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