Pakistan launches iris recognition technology to strengthen biometric system

This picture taken on June 3, 2023, shows newly launched iris-recognition technology at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office for new registrations and biometric verification in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: Twitter/NADRA)
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Updated 04 June 2023
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Pakistan launches iris recognition technology to strengthen biometric system

  • NADRA introduced fingerprint matching in the past which was strengthened by facial image recognition
  • The new iris recognition system is a ‘significant leap forward’ and will further protect citizens’ identities

ISLAMABAD: The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched iris recognition technology in different Pakistani cities, said an official statement, to strengthen the biometric verification system used by the organization over the years.

NADRA introduced fingerprint matching over a decade ago which was subsequently reinforced with the facial image matching capability. The iris technology is now expected to complement its existing biometric system which can be utilized in multiple ways.

The newly launched system was piloted at the NADRA headquarters before being rolled out in its mega centers in Islamabad’s Blue Area, PECO Road in Lahore and DHA in Karachi. The phased deployment of the technology is planned to be spread across the country in the coming months.

“This automated biometric identification modality registers distinctive patterns within a ring-shaped region surrounding the pupil of each eye for identification,” said the official statement. “The Iris Recognition is an extremely reliable and accurate identification method with negligible false match rates.”

While introducing the initiative, Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik said the deployment of premium identity authentication by his organization leveraged state-of-the-art recognition technology which offered precision with enhanced security and efficiency in the identity verification of citizens.

He maintained the launch of the iris recognition system was a “significant leap forward” in securing citizens’ identities.

“Whether it’s government services, financial institutions, or any other industry that deals with sensitive information, identity verification is a critical aspect of ensuring the integrity and security of our systems,” he added. “With the Iris biometric technology, we are taking a major step forward in streamlining and fortifying the processes of secure identification.”


Pakistan defense minister discusses regional, global developments with counterparts in Munich

Updated 14 February 2026
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Pakistan defense minister discusses regional, global developments with counterparts in Munich

  • The high-powered meeting of government leaders, diplomats comes shortly before Russia’s war on Ukraine enters its fifth gruelling year
  • Bruised by President Donald Trump’s comments, European leaders at summit have pledged to shoulder more of the burden of shared defenses

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday met his Italian and Albanian counterparts to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional and global developments on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the Pakistani embassy in Germany said.

The high-powered Munich meeting of government leaders, diplomats, defense and intelligence chiefs comes shortly before Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine is set to enter its fifth gruelling year.

Bruised by President Donald Trump’s designs on Greenland and his often hostile comments about America’s traditional bedrock allies, European leaders at the conference have pledged to shoulder more of the burden of shared defenses.

Asif met his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto during the conference, running from Feb. 13 till Feb. 15, with both sides agreeing to enhance bilateral ties, according to the Pakistani embassy.

“Asif met the Defense Minister of Republic of Albania, Mr. Pirro Vengu, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference,” the Pakistani embassy said on X.

“Discussed matters related to enhancing bilateral cooperation in the wake of recent regional and international developments.”

The development came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was set to address European leaders on Saturday as they try to step up their autonomy in defense while salvaging transatlantic ties badly strained under President Trump.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged a “rift” had opened up between Europe and the United States, fueled by culture wars, but issued an appeal to Washington: “Let’s repair and revive transatlantic trust together.”

“In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone,” said the conservative leader, who has ramped up defense spending in the top EU economy.

Macron said a new framework was needed to deal with “an aggressive Russia” once the fighting in Ukraine ends.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been in Munich since Friday and meeting multiple allies, was expected to address the meeting on Saturday. No Russian officials have been invited.

Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky said he feared “a new cold war” between Europe and Russia in the coming decade, making reopening dialogue with Moscow essential.

“If it makes sense to talk, we are willing to talk,” said Merz, but he also charged that “Russia is not yet willing to talk seriously.”