ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 — Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has begun the phased issuance of new national identity cards using QR codes instead of embedded chips, the authority said.

The rollout began on Aug. 14, with the new cards being produced in Pakistan and featuring a QR code-based system in place of the chip used on existing cards.

NADRA said that from January 2027, the QR code-based cards would be introduced across all categories of national identity documents, including the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) and Juvenile Cards.

The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) will also be shifted to the new chip-free format in the final phase of the rollout, according to NADRA.

Existing identity cards remain valid

NADRA clarified that the introduction of the new chip-free identity cards will not invalidate cards already issued to citizens.

Existing national identity cards will remain valid until their stated expiry dates, meaning citizens will not be required to replace their current cards solely because the new QR code-based system has been introduced.