ISLAMABAD (APP) – In a major step toward a unified and digitally secure identity ecosystem, the Federal government has formally upgraded the National Identity Card (NIC) and Pakistan Origin Card (POC) frameworks under its vision of “One Nation – One Identity.”The amendments—issued through S.R.O. 331(I)/2026 and published in the Gazette on 24 February 2026—modernize Pakistan’s identity system with QR-based verification, enhanced biometric features, stronger fraud controls, and improved citizen facilitation. The Rules now define the QR code as a secure, machine-readable, two-dimensional barcode that stores encoded identity information and enables instant verification when scanned. With this reform, citizens will carry a uniform ID card, replacing the previously parallel formats of chip-enabled and non-chip cards. Overall, the 2026 amendments strengthen the backbone of Pakistan’s national identity system—enhancing digital trust, protecting against fraud, enabling real-time verification, and delivering meaningful facilitation measures for citizens.

Source: The Patriot February 25, 2026 12:16 UTC