A Step Toward Digital Governance
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of Pakistan has launched a new feature that allows citizens to check the status of their applications online. The service, introduced through NADRA’s official mobile application “Pak-ID,” enables users to monitor requests related to national identity cards, family registration certificates, and other essential documents without visiting a physical office.
This initiative is part of NADRA’s ongoing efforts to make government services more accessible and citizen-friendly. It reflects Pakistan’s broader push toward digital transformation in governance, where convenience and efficiency are central goals.
How the Feature Works
The online tracking service is integrated into the Pak-ID mobile app, which NADRA says has been designed with a simple and user-friendly interface. Through the app, citizens can:
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Track the progress of their national identity card (CNIC) application.
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Monitor requests for family registration certificates (FRC) and child registration forms (commonly known as “B-Forms”).
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Access updates on renewals, modifications, and reprints of identity documents.
NADRA’s spokesperson emphasized that this new feature eliminates the need for repeated visits to NADRA offices for routine inquiries. By digitizing these processes, citizens can save both time and money.
Benefits for Overseas Pakistanis
A key focus of this digital upgrade is Pakistan’s large diaspora, estimated at more than nine million people worldwide. Overseas Pakistanis often face logistical challenges in obtaining or renewing identity documents, particularly when consular services are limited.
With the new app-based service, expatriates can apply for and track most documents online. According to NADRA, the only exception is the issuance of a first-time national identity card, which still requires an in-person visit for biometric verification.
This development is expected to be particularly useful for overseas communities in the Middle East, Europe, and North America, who frequently rely on Pakistani identity documents for property matters, inheritance cases, or family-related registrations back home.
Digital Transformation in Pakistan
NADRA’s move aligns with the Pakistani government’s wider agenda of digitalization, which has gained momentum in recent years. In fact, Pakistan’s Interior Minister has recently ordered urgent reforms in passport and ID services, reflecting the state’s commitment to modernizing public institutions. The authority, which manages one of the world’s largest biometric citizen databases, has often been at the forefront of this shift.
By introducing services such as online registration, biometric verification, and now application tracking, NADRA aims to reduce reliance on physical visits to government offices. Officials argue that this approach not only improves efficiency but also minimizes opportunities for corruption and delays.
According to government data, NADRA serves millions of applicants each year. Long queues at its offices have often been a source of public frustration. The mobile-based system is therefore seen as a significant step toward easing the burden on citizens and streamlining public service delivery.
Saving Time and Resources
Digital tracking is expected to save thousands of working hours for both citizens and NADRA staff. Previously, applicants would need to call helplines or visit offices multiple times to check the status of their requests. Now, a few clicks on a smartphone will provide real-time updates.
Analysts believe such initiatives could have a broader economic impact as well. By reducing bureaucracy and travel costs, digital governance tools can improve productivity and strengthen trust in state institutions.
Looking Ahead
While the launch of the online tracking service marks important progress, experts suggest that continued investment in digital infrastructure will be critical. Stable internet connectivity, cybersecurity safeguards, and public awareness campaigns will determine the long-term success of initiatives like Pak-ID.
For now, however, the development is being welcomed as a meaningful step toward modern governance in Pakistan. It not only empowers citizens with easier access to services but also signals the government’s intent to expand digital tools for everyday needs.
