In a significant step to enhance the biometric verification infrastructure in the country, the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) announced on Saturday that it has implemented the Iris Recognition System (IRS) for citizen identification and deduplication.
Nadra, in its statement, noted that the newly-introduced Iris technology will bolster its existing biometric verification system, complementing the fingerprint-matching modality launched over a decade ago and subsequently reinforced with facial-image matching capability.
The Iris recognition system, successfully piloted at Nadra Headquarters, has now been implemented at Nadra Mega Centres in Blue Area Islamabad, PECO Road Lahore, and DHA Karachi. Nadra plans to continue the phased deployment of this technology across all 700 National Registration Centres (NRCs) nationwide.
Nadra detailed that the IRS operates by registering distinctive patterns in the ring-shaped region surrounding each eye’s pupil for identification. The authority added that the method is highly reliable and precise, with extremely low false match rates.
Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik emphasized that implementing top-tier identity authentication systems significantly advances securing citizens’ identities. He noted that the iris, unique for every individual, makes this mode of verification immune to identity duplication and theft.
Malik added, “Identity verification is vital in maintaining the integrity and security of systems, be it in government services, financial institutions, or other sectors dealing with sensitive information. With the IRS, we’re significantly enhancing our ability to identify individuals securely.”
Nadra also anticipates that the IRS will bolster its unique identity issuance system and extend to the biometric identification of children.
The statement further explained, “As Iris scanning uses a special infrared camera to record and digitalize iris patterns, it’s nearly impossible to falsify or replicate iris identity.” It further added that a mathematical algorithm is employed to convert these intricate patterns into templates for matching, and combining facial, iris and fingerprint matching will offer immutable identity provision and more precise verification by Nadra.
 in Pakistan enhances its biometric verification system with the introduction of Iris Recognition System (IRS). This technology strengthens the unique identity issuance system and extends to the biometric identification of children.){kind=link}