NADRA has expanded its overseas services for Pakistani citizens. However, the rollout of QR-code-enabled National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) continues in phases. The government confirmed this in a written reply to the National Assembly. Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Raza Naqvi filed the reply.
Naqvi declined to provide an estimate of overseas Pakistanis affected by travel restrictions linked to expired or invalid NICOPs. Specifically, he said the question did not pertain to NADRA. As a result, the government has not addressed concerns about how many Pakistanis abroad face travel issues.
The government approved the new QR-code-based polycarbonate ID card format on February 23, 2026. Officials then amended the National Identity Card and Pakistan Origin Card Rules, 2002 on February 24, 2026. In addition, the new format replaces the older chip-based card system.
The QR code on each card contains protected applicant information including the family number. Users can access this data through the Pak ID mobile application. Furthermore, the system works without specialized card readers.
Chip-based cards faced practical challenges that pushed NADRA toward the QR system. For example, setting up nationwide chip-reader infrastructure proved difficult due to cost and interoperability issues. However, the new polycarbonate cards also offer better durability and security. In addition, domestic production should reduce reliance on imported card material.
NADRA has rolled out several measures to help overseas Pakistanis obtain and renew IDs. Specifically, 10 registration centres at Pakistani missions now use NADRA’s Pak ID software application. This increases daily processing capacity for NICOP renewals.
In addition, NADRA runs Mobile Registration Operations on weekends in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. These help overseas Pakistanis who cannot visit NADRA offices during regular hours. Furthermore, 25 counters at Pakistani missions handle online application submissions and routine ID services.
The Pak ID mobile application also lets users submit and process applications remotely. As a result, overseas Pakistanis can renew documents without visiting NADRA offices for routine work.
NADRA has also introduced dematerialised identity cards under an SRO dated September 9, 2025. Eligible card holders can access digital credentials through the Pak ID application. The dematerialised card carries the same legal validity as the physical version.
Existing Smart CNICs, Smart NICOPs, and Smart POCs still work during the transition. NADRA continues to process and issue these cards, subject to applicable rules and card material availability.
However, the minister did not share a communication strategy to counter confusion about the new requirements. Furthermore, the government has not detailed how many overseas Pakistanis the travel rule changes could affect.
