The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) recently presented its comprehensive annual report to the Ministry of Interior, shedding light on the current status of citizen registrations across Pakistan. This detailed report offers valuable insights into the scale and scope of NADRA’s operations, reflecting the authority’s critical role in maintaining the country’s population database.
In an elaborative video statement, NADRA spokesperson Shabahat Ali disclosed that the authority has successfully registered a staggering total of 227 million Pakistani citizens. This figure represents approximately 97 percent of the nation’s overall population, underscoring NADRA’s extensive reach and effectiveness in documenting the country’s demographic profile. Such a high registration rate is crucial for governance, planning, and the delivery of public services.
The spokesperson further highlighted that out of the total registrations, 31.9 million were childbirth records documented at the union council level. This significant number reflects the ongoing efforts to ensure that every newborn is officially registered, which is vital for securing legal identity and access to essential rights. Breaking down the population by gender, NADRA’s data shows a near-balanced distribution with women constituting 48 percent and men making up 52 percent of the registered citizens. This gender-wise bifurcation provides important demographic insights that can aid in policy formulation and resource allocation.
Beyond basic registration, NADRA has also expanded its biometric database substantially. The authority now holds facial recognition data for 170 million individuals, alongside an impressive collection of 1.68 billion fingerprint records and seven million retinal scans. These biometric identifiers play a pivotal role in enhancing security measures, preventing identity fraud, and streamlining verification processes across various sectors.
Shabahat Ali pointed out that the year 2025 witnessed an overall growth of 11 percent in registrations compared to previous years. Notably, childbirth registrations surged by 18 percent, indicating improved outreach and awareness at the grassroots level. Additionally, the registration of women increased by 8 percent, reflecting ongoing efforts to bridge gender gaps in official documentation and empower female citizens through formal recognition.
To support this expansive registration drive, NADRA currently operates 938 registration centers nationwide. In 2025 alone, the authority established 75 new centers and introduced 138 additional service counters, enhancing accessibility for citizens in both urban and rural areas. This expansion ensures that more people can conveniently register and update their information without facing logistical hurdles.
Moreover, the introduction and growing popularity of the Pak ID mobile application have transformed the way citizens interact with NADRA’s services. The app now handles over 15 percent of the authority’s workload, with downloads surpassing 12 million users. This digital platform offers a user-friendly interface for accessing identity services, reflecting NADRA’s commitment to leveraging technology for greater efficiency and public convenience.
Overall, NADRA’s latest report not only highlights the authority’s impressive achievements in citizen registration but also emphasizes the ongoing modernization of Pakistan’s identity management system. These developments are instrumental in supporting national security, social inclusion, and the effective delivery of government programs across the country.
