National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) unveiled its new ID Card, the SMART National Identity Card for overseas Pakistanis at a ceremony in London today.
The SMART Card is a third 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, Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Wajid Shamsul Hassan said:: "The Smart CARD is a revolutionary technology developed by 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 Chairman Tariq Malik said that the authority planed to open its public facilitation centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford and Glasgow and later would expand to the rest of Europe. These offices, he added would operate as extended counsellor sections and approval for them had 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.
Acknowledging the support of Habib Bank UK and Habib Bank Limited in the launch of the new Smart NICOP in UK and Europe, the Chairman Nadra said that HBL's co-operation had been very significant to facilitate overseas Pakistanis. The event was attended by eminent expatriates and was followed by a dinner and a concert.-PR
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