TheGovernment of Pakistan has officially updated the National Identity Card Rules, introducing several major NADRA CNIC new features to modernize the country’s identity document framework. The most significant upgrade is the statutory introduction of a Quick Response (QR) code. This secure, two-dimensional barcode will unify the card system, allowing all citizens to carry a similar card rather than the currently prevalent mix of microchip and non-microchip versions. This QR-enabled capability establishes a robust legal basis for rapid, secure identity verification in both offline and online environments.
Enhanced Security and Biometric Authentication
To further prevent fraud and impersonation, the updated rules strengthen the enforcement of card suspensions. If a card is suspended, all linked verification and authentication services will immediately be halted, preventing further use through digital channels. Additionally, the system’s biometric capabilities have been legally reinforced to explicitly recognize both fingerprint and iris scans, establishing a more modern multi-modal foundation for identity assurance.
"ایک قوم – ایک شناخت" کے تصور کو عملی شکل دیتے ہوئے حکومتِ پاکستان نے قومی شناختی کارڈ اور پاکستان اوریجن کارڈ قواعد میں اہم ترامیم کی منظوری دے دی۔ کیو آر پر مبنی تصدیق، انسدادِ دھوکہ دہی کا مضبوط نظام اور بزرگ شہریوں کیلئے نئی سہولتیں متعارف۔ pic.twitter.com/L5Ek1icX8x
— NADRA (@NadraPak) February 24, 2026
Facilitation for Senior Citizens and AJK Residents
Among the highly anticipated NADRA CNIC new features is a major facilitation measure for the elderly. Citizens who have reached the age of 60 will now receive cards featuring a distinct senior citizen logo with lifetime validity, significantly reducing the burden of renewals. Furthermore, the updated formats introduce standardized geographical identification by requiring an inscription that indicates a “Resident of Azad Jammu and Kashmir”. These smart formats also visibly incorporate family numbers, bilingual data, and enhanced layouts for overseas Pakistanis, persons with disabilities, and organ donors.
1. What is the main new feature added to NADRA CNICs?
The most significant update is the statutory introduction of a secure Quick Response (QR) code, which will allow all citizens to carry a unified, QR-enabled card instead of separate microchip and non-microchip versions.
2. What are the new CNIC rules for senior citizens?
Citizens who have reached 60 years of age will now be issued a CNIC featuring a distinct senior citizen logo and lifetime validity, eliminating the need for future renewals.
3. How do the new features improve CNIC security?
The updated rules explicitly recognize fingerprint and iris scans for stronger biometric assurance, and ensure that if a card is suspended, it is immediately blocked from all digital verification channels.
