NADRA set to launch New Smart NICOP in Europe

Islamabad, 16 July 2012: The National Database and Registration Authority unveiled its new ID Card,
the SMART National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistani at a ceremony in London today. The SMART
Card is a 3rd Generation Chip-based identity document that is built according to international standards
and requirements. The card has over 36 physical security features and uses latest encryption codes making
it the safest card in the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistani’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Wajid Shamsul Hassan
said: “The Smart CARD is a revolutionary technology developed by National Database and Registration
Authority NADRA and this will provide great service and convenience to citizens.” He thanked the
Government of Pakistan for this timely and critical step as it will help with smooth provision of social
services, increase financial inclusion and facilitate with remittances to Pakistan.
NADRA plans to open its public facilitation centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford and
Glasgow and later will expanding into the rest of Europe. This was disclosed by the new Chairman of
NADRA Tariq Malik, who was appointed by the Prime Minister only three days ago. These offices will
operate as extended counsellor sections and approval for them has already been granted by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. NADRA will launch the Smart NICOP and Smart CNIC together on Independence Day
this year.
Smart NICOP will provide 2.5 million overseas Pakistanis in Europe with priority travel, banking
facilities and increased security as well as the existing visa-free entry to Pakistan. NADRA plans to bring
out a number of services on the Smart Card and these will be provided upon availability. The card is
programmed with a match-on-card applet which first confirms the biometrics of the user and then grants
access to it. The card is printed on multiple layers of polycarbonate material, each layer containing its
own security features. This card is hence the securest in the world and protects the data of citizens at
every level.
NADRA’s key concern has been to protect public information and its plans have been extensively tested
and approved by the Government of Pakistan. NADRA staff will continue to approve and issue the cards
after verification of documents, and transfer data to Pakistan in realtime via secure encryption. The cards
will be printed at NADRA headquarters and will be shipped back to the UK. No one other than a select
number of NADRA staff will be allowed access to the data of citizens.
NADRA is one of the leading System Integrators in the global identification sector and has successfully
implemented the Multi-Biometric National Identity Card & Multi-Biometric e-Passport solutions
for Pakistan, Passport Issuing System for Kenya, Bangladesh High Security Driver’s License, Civil
Registration Management System for Sudan, UNHCR Secure Card project for the registration of the
Afghan refugees, system integration services and issuance of national identity document for Nigeria and
Poverty Score Card development project for World Bank.
“NADRA is catalyst in transforming e-Govt agenda in Pakistan. It houses the world largest multi-
biometric citizens database and has very effectively used it to bring transparency in government’s
citizen centric initiatives like Preparation of Electoral Rolls, Benazir Income Support Program, Cash
Disbursement Program for Internally Displaced People, Electronic Seafarer Cards Program, e-Arms
License Initiative, Motorway Toll Collection using e-toll application, ID Card Verification through SMS,
Integrated Border Management Solutions and Biometric Access Control Systems. These programs have
increased public convenience, improved service delivery, and ensured transparency. NADRA has been
designated as Asian leader for providing identity-based multi-biometric technology solutions” said Tariq
Malik, Chairman NADRA.
Acknowledging the support of Habib Bank UK and Habib Bank Limited in the launch of the new Smart
NICOP in UK & Europe, Chairman NADRA said HBL's cooperation has been very significant to
facilitate overseas Pakistanis. The event was attended by eminent expats and was followed by a dinner
and concert.