Authority says rules recognize digital ID cards as valid proof of identity and reduce need for unnecessary photocopies
LAHORE:
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Friday clarified that digital identity documents issued through its PakID platform have the same legal status as physical identity cards.
NADRA spokesperson Shahbaz Ali pointed out that some authorities have been asking citizens to submit a physical copy or photocopy of their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) instead of accepting the digital version. He highlighted that such practices violate existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
According to the National Database and Registration Authority Ordinance 2000 and the Digital Identity Regulations 2025, digital identity credentials have the same legal validity, credibility and evidentiary value as physical CNICs, NICOPs or POCs. Government departments, regulated institutions and other organizations must accept digital IDs issued by NADRA as valid proof of identity.
The digital identity regulations, established under the NADRA Ordinance, specifically grant digital IDs full legal recognition:
Regulation 9: Digital identity credentials issued or authorized by NADRA have the same legal validity, credibility and evidentiary value as physical identity documents.
Regulation 10: All government departments, regulated institutions and organizations requesting proof of identity must accept digital credentials issued by NADRA as valid identification.
NADRA said the rules recognize digital IDs as valid proof of identity, reduce the need for unnecessary photocopies and help protect citizens’ personal data while preventing misuse of identity information.
The authority urged all government departments, public and financial institutions and telecommunications operators to fully comply with these regulations. Citizens can lodge complaints through NADRA’s official complaints system if any office or institution does not accept digital IDs.
