{
  "id": 10396460,
  "title": "NADRA Expands Iris Scans for Minors at 5,000 Counters Nationwide",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/nadra-expands-iris-scans-for-minors-at-5-000-counters-nationwide",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-28T07:49:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/09/28/nadra-expands-iris-scans-for-minors-at-5000-counters-nationwide/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has expanded biometric identification for minors using iris scans across more than 5,000 counters nationwide. The initiative targets children under the age of 18, whose identification is bolstered through photographs and biometric features. NADRA asserts that iris-based identification will safeguard children from identity theft and misuse, providing an alternative for the elderly, manual workers, and others whose fingerprints cannot be captured due to illness or skin conditions. NADRA Director of Media Shabahat Ali explained during an interview with Express News that Pakistan's national identity card rules were established in 2002, a period marked by differing political, geographical, and economic circumstances. Over the last 23 years, despite continuous registration under the same rules, several shortcomings emerged, which prompted NADRA to seek guidance from the Ministry of Interior and engage in discussions with the prime minister, leading to major reforms in the identity system. A crucial aspect of these reforms is the protection of individuals under 18, who constitute approximately 46 percent of Pakistan's population. Ali highlighted that the lack of a photograph in identification records could expose children to identity theft or misuse. The reforms have also broadened the definition of biometric identification, incorporating facial features and iris recognition as significant identification markers. Financial institutions have been informed that biometric verification can now be carried out through facial recognition when fingerprints are unavailable due to age, illness, or other reasons. NADRA emphasizes that the iris is a unique biometric marker, offering a highly effective method of identifying an individual.",
  "summary": "The National Database and Registration Authority has expanded biometric identification for minors using iris scans, making the facility available at … Read More The post NADRA Expands Iris Scans for Minors at 5,000 Counters Nationwide appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}