Page 149 - The Digital Financial Services (DFS) Ecosystem

ITU-T Focus Group Digital Financial Services
Ecosystem

Table D.9 – Pakistan Case Study

PAKISTAN – National ID Program
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) was established in 2000, and since
has issued a series of physical credentials including the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and the Smart National Iden-
1
tity Card (SNIC) most recently in 2012. Pakistan has one of the highest target population coverage rates with 98% of the country
registered, and has launched extensive registration campaigns to target traditionally under registered populations such as rural
2,3
and tribal groups, women, and undocumented children. NADRA operates through a self-generating revenue model that charges
institutions who use the database for biometric verification, and additionally earns money through services provided by their inde-
4
pendent public company, NADRA technologies. Their comprehensive biometric database has laid a foundation as a platform to
link identity cards to other functions and services, including social transfers, health, and voting.
5
BASIC NATIONAL IDENTITY PROGRAM INFORMATION
Institution(s) Managing the Program: National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)
NADRA acts as an independent corporate body. It was formed when the National
Database Organization under the Ministry of the Interior and the Directorate Gen-
6
eral of Registration (DGR) merged.
Funding Source: NADRA is a self-generating revenue authority. NADRA charges fees to organizations
or government bodies when a citizen’s biometric information is used for authen-
tication. The institution also formed an independent public company, NADRA
Technologies Limited, through which it provides services to other countries to
7
implement similar national identification programs and gains additional revenue.
Budget for Program Operation: US $162,243,580, RS10,353,479,580
Ongoing administrative costs for financial year 2013 8
Target Population: All citizens 9

10
Target Age: Registration is required within one month of birth. Biometric information is taken
11
starting at age 14 or 15 (when biometrics become stable) , but the minimum age
to acquire a SNIC is 18. 12
Year Introduced: The ordinance and preparation began in 2000 , the multi-biometric system was
13
released in 2007, and the Smart National Identity Card (SNIC) was introduced in
2012. 14,15

Program Currently Active: The program is operational and in use. Currently, biometric fingerprint information
is being linked with cell phone SIM cards to verify mobile phone users. 16

Are Changes to the Program Planned or Not specified
Anticipated:

NATIONAL IDENTITY PROGRAM METHODOLOGY
Mandatory Enrollment: No (in 2008) 17 Method of Enrollment / Scanner, National Database 18
Initial Capture:
Physical Creden- Yes Electronic Component Yes 20
tial Involved in Smart National Identity Card Involved in Physical
Authentication: Credential:
(SNIC) 19

Personal Informa- Name, parentage, permanent and Photo of Individual on Yes 23
tion Involved in temporary address, registration Physical Credential:
Authentication: number, family number, gender 22
21
Biometric Infor- Fingerprints, facial image 24
mation Involved in
Authentication:

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