ISLAMABAD: The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued a strong warning to government offices, financial institutions, and other organizations that are refusing to accept digital identity cards, declaring the practice a violation of the law.
In an official statement released on Friday the authority clarified that a digital identity card holds the same legal weight as its physical counterpart. Despite this, some government and private entities are reportedly still demanding physical cards or paper photocopies, creating unnecessary hurdles for citizens.
“This practice is against the prevailing legal and regulatory framework,” the NADRA spokesperson stated. The authority emphasized that the Digital Identity Regulations, formulated under the NADRA Ordinance, specifically grant legal status to digital identity documents. Under these rules, particularly Regulations 9 and 10, a digital ID is considered a valid and sufficient proof of identity.
NADRA highlighted that the use of digital IDs is a key step toward modernizing service delivery. By promoting their acceptance, the need for carrying physical cards and producing unnecessary photocopies is greatly reduced. This shift also strengthens data protection for citizens by minimizing the risk of personal information being mishandled or misused.
“Digital identity cards help ensure the protection of citizens’ personal data and prevent misuse of identity information,” the statement added.
The authority has directed all relevant stakeholders—including government departments, public and private sector entities, financial institutions, and telecom operators—to ensure immediate compliance with the legal framework.
To facilitate the public, NADRA has also opened its official complaint system for citizens who encounter any institution still refusing to accept a digital identity card. Affected individuals are encouraged to report such instances to the authority to ensure the directive is enforced across the board.
