ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of Pakistan has unveiled a new, chipless national identity card that features a secure QR code, aiming to simplify identity verification processes and reduce dependency on imported microchips.
According to NADRA, the latest polycarbonate ID card has been designed and produced domestically by the National Security Printing Company (NSPC) in Karachi. The new format aligns with the authority’s stringent security and technical standards.
The federal government approved the rollout of this new ID card in February 2026. Instead of embedded microchips, the card uses a machine-readable QR code that can be easily scanned via smartphones and the PakID mobile app. The QR code encapsulates key identity details along with the holder’s photograph, enabling faster verification by authorized agencies and minimizing data entry errors.
The revamped card also features a unique family number, along with specific symbols indicating special categories such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, organ donors, and residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Printed in both Urdu and English, the card displays the holder’s name and address.
Enhanced security features—both visible and hidden—have been incorporated into the new card to meet modern security standards and leverage local manufacturing capabilities.
While NADRA initially introduced a chip-based Smart National Identity Card approximately 14 years ago, widespread adoption was hindered by limited availability of supporting infrastructure and card readers. The new QR-code-based system addresses this challenge by allowing identity verification through common smartphones and compatible scanning software.
Authorized institutions—including banks, hospitals, telecom companies, Pakistan Railways, and law enforcement agencies—will receive software tools to scan and authenticate the QR codes effectively.
Phased Implementation Plan:
– Starting August 14, 2026, the QR-enabled polycarbonate card will replace the current chipless CNIC issued on Teslin material.
– By January 2027, the new format is expected to extend across all categories of national identity documents, including NICOP (Overseas Pakistanis) and Juvenile Cards. The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) will transition to the QR-based format at a later date.
Existing ID cards will remain valid until their expiration dates, and cardholders will not be required to replace their cards immediately solely due to the introduction of the new format.
