By Zainab Shafiq 
In a country where millions still line up at centres for basic identity services, a quiet revolution has begun. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has rolled out Version 5.0.0 of its Pak ID Mobile App, and the highlight is NADRA’s urdu menu, a feature designed to bring rural and less tech-savvy citizens into the digital fold. By blending accessibility with innovation, the update takes Pakistan a step closer to a paperless governance system.
The timing could not be more critical. With growing demand for efficient identity registration, NADRA is positioning its app as a one-stop digital solution for both local users and overseas Pakistanis.
Beyond NADRA’s urdu menu: new features making headlines
While NADRA’s urdu menu is likely to grab the most attention, the update is packed with tools that reshape the entire experience. Citizens can now track their applications in real time through an inbox system, cutting down uncertainty and wait times. Family records can be accessed without biometric checks, and online death registration has been launched in collaboration with Union Councils in selected areas.
On top of that, the app now allows users to book appointments at NADRA centres, pay fees securely for services like Smart NIC and CRC, and verify their identity through facial biometrics. Every step, from taking a live photo and fingerprint to uploading documents and completing digital payments, can now be done directly on a smartphone.
Overseas Pakistanis benefit the most
For expatriates, this update could be a game-changer. Instead of navigating embassies or relying on long paper trails, NICOP renewals and applications can now be completed from abroad. Documents are uploaded, fees are paid online, and cards are delivered to international addresses, all without leaving home.