Daily Times

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has planned to install self-service kiosks in Karachi for renewal of expired smart national identity cards (NICs) and re-issuance of lost NICs. Citizens can use the facility to easily get their NICs avoiding long queues and waiting. The service will initially be available in NADRA mega centres, with subsequent installation at airports, railway stations and shopping malls.

The tech-equipped kiosks were featured at NADRA stall in IDEAS Exhibition held at the Expo Centre in Karachi. Using this automated kiosk, citizens can complete the application process for renewal of NIC and re-issuance of NIC. Citizens would not need any data entry operator or any staff to take and verify their photos and thumb impressions, which they would do on their own using the kiosk.

NADRA Assistant Director Ammar Haider told the media that the self-service kiosk is undergoing trial stages and upon its success, it will be installed in NADRA Mega Centres across the city. The self-service kiosk has already been installed in NADRA Mega Centre Islamabad.

According to Haider, citizens will be able to process their NIC applications using the automated kiosk by following different steps, including data entry of their previous NIC information, biometric verification, photo capturing, receipt of a QR code for payment, and entering the payment reference of Jazzcash or Easypaisa. He further said that in the next phase, a POS will also be installed within the automated kiosk so that applicants may also pay through debit and credit cards. After installation in Mega Centres, the automated system will also be installed in the city’s railway stations, airports and various shopping malls.