ISLAMABAD: Citizens seeking e-passports will be able to access passport services at all National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) centres across Pakistan from September 7, according to an official spokesperson.
The facility will allow citizens to apply for e-passport renewals and reprints at NADRA centres, including those in Karachi and other cities nationwide.
However, the issuance of new e-passports, modifications and the issuance of new machine-readable passports will continue to be handled exclusively by passport offices.
Under the new arrangement, passport counters operating at NADRA offices will be gradually phased out, with the staff assigned to them being recalled. The facility is being introduced under an agreement between the Passport Department and NADRA.
The modern e-passport will feature an electronic chip containing the holder’s biometric and personal information and will comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The passport will also incorporate security features including an NFC chip, laser engraving, infrared and ultraviolet elements. These features are expected to make identity verification at airports more secure and efficient.
NADRA, federal board of education sign key agreement, major relief for students
Earlier, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) have signed an agreement to integrate the student registration system for matriculation and intermediate examinations.
Under the agreement, a data-sharing mechanism will be established through which NADRA will provide FBISE with key student information from its records, including names, parentage and dates of birth.
The initiative is expected to reduce errors and discrepancies during student registration and improve administrative processes through the issuance of accurate and reliable educational credentials.
The agreement also provides for the development of a digital wallet that will enable students to securely access their educational certificates and use them in digital form.
The initiative is part of NADRA’s project to integrate national identity records with the country’s educational records. Under the project, NADRA is gradually working with boards of intermediate and secondary education, universities and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to establish digital data transmission mechanisms.
The agreement was signed at NADRA Headquarters in Islamabad on Monday. Chairman FBISE Dr Ikram Ali Malik and the NADRA chairman were also present on the occasion.
