ISLAMABAD: In an important step towards self-reliance and digital access, Nadra on Friday launched a new chipless National Identity Card built around a secure QR code, replacing the imported microchip used for the past 14 years.
The card has been manufactured domestically by the National Security Printing Company (NSPC) in Karachi, in line with Nadra’s technical and security specifications, according to a statement issued on the Independence Day.
The federal government had approved issuance of the new card on Feb 23, 2026.
Instead of a chip, the card will carry a secure QR code that can be scanned and verified on a smartphone through Nadra’s Pak Identity (PakID) mobile application.
The code will contain the cardholder’s relevant information and photograph. Nadra said this will allow institutions to capture names, addresses and other identity details more easily and consistently in their systems, while also reducing data-entry errors.
The card will also display the family number, and specific symbols to identify persons with disabilities, senior citizens, organ donors and citizens of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The cardholder’s name and address will be printed in both Urdu and English. It’s visible and covert security features have been updated to meet current requirements and align with domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Nadra said the chip-based Smart National Identity Card introduced about 14 years ago could not be fully utilised as chip readers and supporting infrastructure were never widely available.
Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026
