Islamabad, March 13, 2026 – The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced that the Digital Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) available through its PakID mobile application carries the same legal status as the physical CNIC.
The authority issued the clarification after noticing that some offices and service providers were refusing to accept digital identity credentials and instead demanding physical CNIC cards or photocopies. According to NADRA, such practices are not in line with the existing legal framework.
In a statement released on Friday, NADRA said that under the National Database and Registration Authority Ordinance 2000, the authority is empowered to maintain the national citizen database and issue identity credentials in both physical and digital formats.
The legal recognition of digital identity credentials has been further strengthened through the NADRA Digital Identity Regulations 2025. These regulations formally recognize digital identity documents as fully valid.
According to the rules, Regulation 9 titled “Legal Recognition of Digital Identity Credentials” states that any digital identity document issued or authorized by NADRA has the same legal status, validity, and evidentiary value as a physical credential. Regulation 10 titled “Acceptance of Digital Identity Credentials” requires all public authorities, regulated entities, and organizations that demand proof of identity to accept NADRA-issued digital credentials.
NADRA’s digital identity suite includes Digital CNIC, dematerialized CNIC, NICOP, and POC, which are accessible through the PakID mobile application.
The authority said that the use of digital identity credentials can reduce the circulation of photocopied identification documents, helping protect citizens’ personal data and minimizing the risk of identity theft or misuse.
NADRA also urged government departments, financial institutions, telecom companies, and private service providers to update their procedures in accordance with the new regulations and instruct their field offices to accept digital identity documents.
Citizens who face refusal of Digital CNIC acceptance have been advised to submit complaints through NADRA’s official complaint channels so that appropriate action can be taken.
NADRA added that the transition toward digital identity credentials is an important step in modernizing public services and strengthening data protection standards across Pakistan.