CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF NADRA. MARCH 10, 2025 (2025-10)

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) was established as National Database Organization (NDO), an attached department under the Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan in 1998. NADRA Ordinance was promulgated in Pakistan on March 10, 2000. NDO & Directorate General of Registration (DGR) merged to form NADRA on 10 March, 2000; an independent corporate body with requisite autonomy to operate Independently and facilitate good governance. The primary purpose of the NADRA Ordinance was to establish a centralized and efficient system for the registration and management of citizens' data. This Initiative aimed to replace the outdated manual registration process with a computerized system, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of personal identification records.

NADRA was tasked with maintaining a comprehensive database of Pakistani citizens, issuing secure national identity cards, and ensuring the integrity of the electoral rolls, among other responsibilities. The ordinance played a crucial role in modernizing the country's civil registration and identification systems, contributing to improved governance and public service delivery.

NADRA set out on the journey of Civil Registration of all Pakistani's and in a short span of time indigenously created a state-of-the-art centralized Data Warehouse hosting multi biometric central database, Network Infrastructure and Interactive Data Acquisition Systems to issue secure National Identity Cards (NIC). With the introduction of this new fool proof, comprehensive and highly sophisticated computerized system; NADRA has been successful in mitigating risk of identity theft.

NADRA revolutionized Pakistan's registration system by embarking on a journey toward digital transformation. This transition began with the Introduction of biometric technology and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) in 2008, significantly enhancing the accuracy and security of identity verification. In 2015, NADRA further modernized the process by incorporating online registration, making it more accessible and efficient for the public. This shift from manual to digital acquisition has streamlined registration processes across the country, bringing Pakistan's system in line with global standards.

NADRA has developed Into a leading Government Organization that enables manifestation of vision of Digital Pakistan and excels in biometric technology besides its expertise in software, web services and system development. Till date, NADRA has successfully registered 98% of the adult population of Pakistan.

NADRA undertakes numerous citizen-centric projects to assist the Government in various critical areas, including the facilitation of services for first Digital Census, Election Commission of Pakistan, e-governance: by utilizing digital technologies for improving delivery of public facilitation services and enhancing citizen engagement, Border management: while encapsulating a multifaceted approach, involving strategies, policies, and advanced technologies, all geared toward enabling safe interactions while safeguarding national security & social sector.

NADRA's Social Protection Programs play a pivotal role as architect of change. Each program it conceptualizes, designs and implements is a brush stroke on the canvas of progress. The dedication of NADRA Staff shapes policies that alleviate poverty, empower women, enhance healthcare access, promote legal migration, support fiscal and calamity shocks, and provide education to the under served with an emphasis on inclusive development and social cohesion. Every milestone achieved is a testament to the commitment to shaping a brighter future for the fellow citizens.

By integrating advanced technological solutions, NADRA supports the Government's efforts to create a more efficient and secure administrative framework. This collaboration not only improves service delivery but also strengthens the overall governance of the country. These projects are designed to streamline and enhance the delivery of public services.

NADRA has further gained International recognition for Its success in providing solutions for identification, e-governance and secure documents that deliver multi-pronged goals of mitigating identity theft; safe-guarding the Interests of its clients and facilitating the public. NADRA extended the strategic International outreach in the year 2006. The first international project was Bangladesh Driving License which concluded successfully, resulting in opening of multiple International opportunities for NADRA. During the course of time, NADRA has provided its expert services to different countries on diverse projects, including;

Civil Registration System, Sudan 2008.

National Identity Management Commission,

Nigeria 2009.

E-Passport System, Kenya 2015.

Election Management System, Fiji 2016.

Readmission Case Management System 2017.

Somalia National Identification System 2018.

United Kingdom Pakistan Readmission Agreement 2022.

Readmission Case Management System Turkey 2023.

On the occasion of Silver Jubilee of NADRA and in recognition of it's Excellence in Public service delivery, Pakistan Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 25/-denomination on 10th March, 2025.