In a country marked by a large population, widespread poverty, fragmented service delivery and vast informal sectors, a robust identity infrastructure is an essential catalyst for improving service delivery.
NARA has developed one of the most comprehensive identification systems in the world. Over 96 per cent of Pakistan’s adult population is registered with NADRA, providing the country with a central repository of verified citizen data. This identity, represented in a national Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), is now the foundation for a growing number of public and private services, ranging from financial inclusion to social protection.
This infrastructure has enabled significant improvements in public service delivery. Historically, access to welfare, education, healthcare and banking required cumbersome paperwork and in-person approvals, which excluded large segments of the population, particularly women, rural communities and informal workers. Now, with NADRA’s verification services integrated into many service systems, citizens can be accurately identified and served without unnecessary delays or intermediaries.
One of the most impactful use cases has been in targeted social protection programmes. Flagship initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) rely on NADRA’s database to verify beneficiaries, eliminate duplicates and prevent fraud. Ghost beneficiaries and fake bank accounts have been significantly reduced. Today, many citizens can receive government cash transfers directly into mobile wallets or bank accounts after their identity is verified electronically through NADRA. This has enabled the government to ensure that limited resources are distributed transparently and efficiently.
Another major benefit of this system is its role in financial inclusion. A significant portion of Pakistan’s adult population remains unbanked. For many, the absence of a verifiable identity has been a significant barrier to accessing financial services. With NADRA’s CNIC system integrated into banking and fintech platforms, electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) protocols now allow banks to onboard new customers securely and remotely, without the need for paper documentation.
This has lowered costs for service providers and expanded access to financial services such as microfinance, digital wallets, savings accounts, health insurance and investment platforms. Importantly, it has opened the doors for women, especially in conservative or rural areas.
Beyond welfare and finance, NADRA’s identity verification system supports a wide array of state functions, including voter registration, passport and visa issuance, tax records, law enforcement databases and mobile SIM registration.
The government’s recent Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) is a testament to the strategic importance of identity infrastructure. An initiative involving the Ministry of Information Technology, NADRA, Board of Investment and the World Bank, DEEP aims to enhance Pakistan’s use of digital services, with NADRA’s identity verification mechanisms at its core.
However, the increasing reliance on digital systems also brings forth critical challenges, particularly in the areas of privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity. While the benefits of digitised identity systems are immense, so are the risks if safeguards are not in place. Citizens must have confidence that their personal information is not being misused, leaked or exploited.
To address these concerns, Pakistan urgently needs to implement comprehensive data protection legislation. The legal framework should define how personal data is collected, stored, shared and protected, especially sensitive personal data. Data security protocols, encryption standards and strict access controls must also be enforced across all government and private platforms that use NADRA’s systems.
Equitable access remains a challenge. Pakistan’s digital divide is still wide, especially in rural and underserved regions. Without a robust telecom infrastructure, many citizens remain disconnected from the digital economy, regardless of whether they possess a CNIC. To maximise the benefits of identity verification and digital service delivery, the government must continue to invest in nationwide connectivity, digital literacy programmes and citizen awareness campaigns.
NADRA’s identity system is a pathway to inclusive development, enabling citizens to participate in the digital economy and claim their rights while efficiently interacting with the state. It simplifies bureaucracy, accelerates welfare and opens new doors for entrepreneurship and innovation.
This identity system may not by itself solve all the problems of Pakistan, but it has served as the foundation for improved service delivery and more equitable access to opportunities in Pakistan.
The writer is a lawyer.
