Breaking New! NADRA to Launch New Biometric Verification System in January 2026

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is officially launching a revolutionary New Biometric Verification System in January 2026. This new initiative introduces facial recognition as a primary alternative to fingerprint scanning, specifically designed to help elderly citizens and people with medical conditions. Starting from January 20, 2026, the NADRA registration centers will offer this seamless identity solution to millions of Pakistanis across the country.

Overview

Feature Category	Details for 2026 Update
Launch Date	January 20, 2026
Primary Method	New Biometric Verification System/Facial Recognition Verification
Target Users	Elderly, PWDs, Worn Fingerprints
Certificate Validity	7 Days (QR-Coded)
App Support	Integrated with Pak ID App
Official Website	www.nadra.gov.pk

What is the new facial recognition biometric system?

the New Biometric Verification System is moving beyond traditional thumb impressions. The 2026 update allows citizens to verify their identity through a sophisticated facial recognition algorithm. This system captures the unique features of a person’s face and matches them with the existing database. It is a major breakthrough for those whose fingerprints have faded due to age, manual labor, or skin diseases. By using this technology, the government aims to reduce the failure rate of biometric checks at banks and cellular companies.

Who can benefit from the 2026 biometric update?

The New Biometric Verification System is specifically designed to include people who were previously left behind by digital services:

1. Senior Citizens: Elderly people whose skin elasticity has decreased, making fingerprinting impossible.
2. Medical Cases: Individuals with skin conditions or injuries that have permanently damaged their fingertips.
3. Laborers: Manual workers whose daily hard labor has worn down their unique fingerprint ridges.
4. Overseas Pakistanis: Users of the Pak ID app who struggle with mobile-based fingerprint scanning.

How to get a biometric verification certificate in 2026?

If your fingerprints are not working, you can follow this simple process at any NADRA center:

Visit Center: Go to any NADRA registration center after the official launch on January 20, 2026.
Request Facial Check: Inform the official that your fingerprints are failing and you need facial verification.
Capture Photo: The system will take a live high-definition photograph to match against your CNIC record.
Pay Fee: Pay the nominal processing fee for the issuance of the specialized biometric certificate.
Receive Certificate: A QR-coded certificate will be printed, containing your photo and tracking ID.
Use for Service: Take this certificate to your bank or telecom office to complete your required task.

Why is facial recognition better than fingerprinting?

Facial recognition offers several technical and practical advantages over the old system:

1. Non-Contact: It is more hygienic as it does not require touching a shared sensor surface.
2. High Accuracy: Modern algorithms can identify faces even with age-related changes or facial hair.
3. Speed: The verification happens in seconds, significantly reducing the waiting time at counters.
4. Accessibility: It can be performed through any modern smartphone camera via the Pak ID app.

BISP and Banking Integration for New Biometrics

Service Provider	Integration Status 2026
Commercial Banks	Accepting Facial Certificates
Telecom Companies	QR-Code Verification Enabled
BISP / 8171	Enabled for Payment Verification
Passport Office	Linked with Facial Database
E-Kachehri	Remote Verification Supported
Airports/FIA	Integrated with Boarding Systems

How to use the Pak ID app for facial verification?

The New Biometric Verification System has also upgraded the Pak ID mobile application for the 2026 rollout. Users can now perform “Liveness Detection” tests by blinking or moving their heads in front of their phone cameras. This ensures that the person being verified is actually present and not just a photograph. This feature is particularly useful for overseas Pakistanis who need to renew their NICOP or verify power of attorney documents without visiting an embassy. The app will automatically sync the verified status with the central NADRA servers.

What are the key features of the QR-coded certificate?

The certificate issued by the center is highly secure and contains specific data:

Photo Identification: A clear live photo taken at the time of the verification request.
Encrypted QR Code: A code that can be scanned by banks to verify the authenticity of the paper.
Short-Term Validity: It is valid for exactly seven days to ensure security and prevent misuse.
Tracking ID: A unique number linked to the citizen’s permanent NADRA file.

What to do if a bank refuses the facial certificate?

NADRA has issued strict directives to all financial and private institutions to accept this New Biometric Verification System:

1. Show Directive: Inform the manager about the Ministry of Interior’s latest 2026 biometric policy.
2. Scan QR: Ask the officer to scan the QR code on your certificate through their official NADRA-linked terminal.
3. File Complaint: If the service is denied, use the NADRA complaint cell to report the specific branch.
4. Use Helpline: Call the official helpline while at the location to speak with a NADRA representative.

How will this system impact BISP 8171 payments?

For years, many deserving women could not receive their BISP installments due to fingerprint mismatches. In 2026, the National Database and Registration Authority is collaborating with BISP to allow facial recognition at payment campsites. This means widows and elderly beneficiaries can now receive their PKR 13,500 by simply looking into a camera. This update is expected to resolve over 90% of the pending payment cases caused by biometric failures.

NADRA Helpline & Contact Section

If you face any issues with the new facial recognition system or registration process, use these official channels:

Toll-Free Helpline: 1777 (For mobile users)
Landline Number: +92 51 111 786 100
Official Website: www.nadra.gov.pk
Twitter/X Support: @NadraPak
Headquarters Address: NADRA State Bank of Pakistan Building, Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, G-5/2, Islamabad.

Summary Box: Starting January 20, 2026, NADRA will offer facial recognition as an alternative to fingerprints. Citizens can get a 7-day QR-coded certificate from any center or use the Pak ID app for digital verification.

Conclusion

The launch of the facial recognition system by the National Database and Registration Authority in January 2026 is a landmark achievement for digital inclusion in Pakistan. By solving the persistent problem of fingerprint verification failures, NADRA has ensured that the most vulnerable citizens can access their bank accounts, SIM cards, and government aid with dignity. This move toward a “Contactless Biometric” future aligns Pakistan with international identity standards. Citizens are encouraged to update their records and download the latest Pak ID app to experience these new facilities as soon as they become available.