The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has expanded iris-based identification to children across more than 5,000 counters nationwide.
The measure aims to strengthen identity protection for minors while expanding biometric options for people who cannot provide usable fingerprints.
The ongoing initiative focuses particularly on children under 18, whose identification will now include photographs and biometric features.
NADRA Expands Iris Identification for Children
NADRA has expanded its biometric identification system to include iris scans for minors. The facility is now available at more than 5,000 counters across Pakistan.
The move aims to reduce the risk of identity theft and misuse involving children. Photographs and biometric features will strengthen the identification process for people under 18.
Children make up around 46 percent of Pakistan’s population, according to NADRA media director Shabahat Ali.
Therefore, strengthening their identification has become a major part of the reforms introduced to the country’s identity system.
How Iris Scanning Can Strengthen Identity Protection
NADRA says iris-based identification can help protect children from identity theft and misuse.
Without photographic identification, children could face greater risks of identity misuse. For example, one person could potentially use another child’s identity for their own child.
The reforms therefore place greater emphasis on linking identities with reliable identification markers.
At the same time, iris scanning is not limited to children. It can provide another verification option for elderly people, manual workers and others whose fingerprints cannot be captured.
Facial Recognition Added to Biometric Verification
The reforms have also expanded the definition of biometric identification in Pakistan.
Previously, biometric verification was largely associated with fingerprints. Now, facial features and the iris of the eye are also recognised as important identification markers.
NADRA has informed financial institutions about the expanded verification options. Where fingerprints cannot be obtained because of age, illness or another reason, facial recognition can be used.
The iris also offers another identification method because it is considered a unique biometric marker.
Why NADRA Revised the Identity System
Pakistan’s national identity card system was codified under rules introduced in 2002. However, NADRA says circumstances have changed considerably since those rules were introduced.
The country has experienced major political, geographical and economic changes over the past two decades. Security conditions and regional developments have also evolved.
For nearly 23 years, registration continued under the existing framework. However, several shortcomings emerged over time.
NADRA raised these issues with the Ministry of Interior and sought guidance on possible reforms. The ministry then referred the matter to the prime minister.
Following the process, significant reforms were introduced to Pakistan’s identity system.
New Biometric Options for Different Groups
The expanded system is designed to address situations where fingerprint verification may not work effectively.
Age can make fingerprint collection difficult, particularly for children and elderly people. Similarly, illness or certain skin conditions can prevent fingerprints from being captured properly.
In such cases, facial recognition and iris scanning provide additional identification options.
NADRA considers the iris a unique biometric marker that can offer an effective method of verifying an individual’s identity.
What the Expanded Facility Means
The expansion of iris scanning marks a broader approach to biometric identification in Pakistan. Children can now receive stronger identification through photographs and additional biometric features.
Meanwhile, people who cannot provide usable fingerprints may have alternative verification methods available.
With the iris facility now available at more than 5,000 counters, NADRA is expanding access to these identification options nationwide.
The reforms are intended to strengthen identity protection while making biometric verification more practical for people facing difficulties with fingerprint-based identification.
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