In an era marked by digitization and technological advancements, ensuring the impregnability of identification (ID) and secure documents has assumed paramount importance. This article endeavours to conduct a thorough analysis of the efficacy of security features embedded within Pakistani ID cards, passports, and other critical documents, substantiating the evaluation with quantifiable data and recent enhancements.
Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
Pakistan initiated its National Identity Card System in 1973 under Article 30 of the Second Amendment. The country moved to a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) in 2000 after the formation of National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA). The CNIC issuance required the applicant to provide the state with digital fingerprint biometrics, and thus set the stage for the first citizen data warehouse in the country.
As the principal identity document for Pakistani citizens, the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) has undergone a transformative evolution in security fortifications. Laser-engraved fingerprints, tamper-resistant lamination, and optically variable ink are integral to the CNIC. In the past year, only 0.01% of CNICs were reported for counterfeit-related issues, indicating the robustness of these security mechanisms. In the past year, only 0.01% of CNICs were reported for counterfeit-related issues, indicating the robustness of these security mechanisms.
NADRA subsequently launched the Smart National Identity Card (SNIC) in 2012 which is a chip-based ID card with transliteration of cardholder’s bio-data to English. NADRA introduced the Pakistan’s first national electronic identity card, in October 2012. Pakistan’s SNIC contains a data chip and 36 security features. The SNIC complies with ICAO standard 9303 and ISO standard 7816-4. The SNIC can be used for both offline and online identification, voting, pension disbursement, social and financial inclusion programmes and other services. NADRA replaced around 89.5 million CNICs with SNICs by 2020.
In order to address the security concerns, NADRA have incorporated 36 security features in the physical design of the card, making it one of the securest cards in the world. The card is printed in multiple layers and each layer has its own security features. The chip is encrypted with algorithm developed by NADRA indigenous development team and secure communication protocols have been determined for being read by remote devices.
To enable remote verification of citizens a match-on-card applet has been designed by NADRA. When a citizen places their card into a card reader, the reader will first authenticate itself to the card. In return, the card will verify its authenticity to the reader. If both the verifications are successful, the device will ask for a finger. This will enable verifications of individuals in the remotest parts of Pakistan.
National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis, or NICOP, is a Computerised National Identity Card issued to workers, emigrants, citizens, or Pakistanis holding dual nationality. NICOP was conceived by NADRA in 2002 as a project of mutual resolve between the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, the Ministry of Labour & Manpower, and the Ministry of Interior. All NICOP holders are registered into the NADRA database to provide authenticity of the individual and visa-free entry into Pakistan.
The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) serves as a vital conduit for the Pakistani diaspora. A gamut of security attributes, including holographic images, ultraviolet (UV) ink, and micro printing are integrated into the card. Notably, biometric data, encompassing fingerprints and facial recognition, have been adopted, resulting in an approximately 99% match accuracy rate during identity verification processes. Persons with a fiduciary claim to Pakistan e.g. by marriage to a CNIC, SNIC, or NICOP holder can apply for POC, Pakistan Origin Card. Like NICOP, POC entitles the holder to visa-free entry to Pakistan with unlimited length of stay.
Passport Security
Pakistani passports are passports issued by the Government of Pakistan to Pakistani citizens and nationals for the purpose of international travel. They are issued by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) of the Ministry of Interior from regional passport offices and Pakistani embassies. Until 2004, Pakistani passports had the bearers’ particulars written by hand, with the passport picture glued to the cover page; since then, passports have identity information printed on both the front and back cover ends, and both of these pages are laminated to prevent unlawful modification.
Pakistani passports have witnessed significant security augmentation, with biometric components like fingerprints and iris scans being instrumental in bolstering protection. The key security features of the Pakistani passport are:
- PKI – public key infrastructure
- Biometrics, namely facial and fingerprint
- IPI – invisible personal ID
- 2D barcode
- Machine-readable zone (MRZ)
- Security substrate and laminate
- Ultraviolet-feature micro printing
- Holograms
- Watermark paper
- Security ink
- 3-colour intaglio printing
- Guilloché patterns
Machine-readable zones, holographic elements, and personalized data pages contribute to thwarting counterfeiting endeavours. The successful detection of fraudulent passports has exhibited a remarkable 96.5% accuracy rate, underscoring the effectiveness of these security measures.
The government has recently introduced e-passports during August 2023 for all the Pakistan nationals and the payment of fee for e-passports for people residing in Karachi (the main cosmopolitan city) has been allowed by using their smartphones. The e-Passport is a highly secure travel document. It has an electronic chip embedded in one of the passport pages, which will be used to store biometric information about the holder. The chip contains data that will verify the passport holder’s identity and will include the biometrics of the passport holder, the personal data found on the data page of the passport, a unique identification number and a digital signature. An e-passport has a contactless (NFC) chip on it which means that those passports can be read electronically. The newly launched e-Passports in Pakistan are in compliance with the United Nations’ ICAO standards.
Digitalization of Driving Licence
In partnership with Punjab Information Technology Board, the Punjab Government introduced a digital driving license system for citizens to optimize the driving license application process. Now on, driver’s licenses will be issued on identity cards through a digital platform, which ease the hassle of citizens by replacing traditional paperwork and long queues. Citizens will submit their national identity card and bank challan to the digital driving license system to be issued a license. With this new system, citizens whose driving licenses have expired will also be able to get their licenses back through this digital platform.
The new national driving licence has laser embossed printing and new features like Pakistani flag, Minar-i-Pakistan and Lahore Fort besides CTO logo, while the Security features include water marks and bar code.
Secure Printing
Secure printing techniques lie at the heart of document security enhancement. Pakistan has invested in state-of-the-art printing technology, encompassing intaglio printing, guilloche patterns, and micro-optic features. The replication of these techniques has proven exceedingly challenging, resulting in a 98% reduction in counterfeit document incidents over the last two years.
Document Verification
Enabling law enforcement and border control agencies, advanced document verification systems have been established. The real-time verification process boasts a commendable success rate of 98.7%, ensuring prompt and accurate assessment of the authenticity of ID cards and passports at various checkpoints.
AI-Powered System to Track Criminals
The Punjab police unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered ‘facial recognition system’ aimed at enhancing accountability, reliability, and efficiency in tracing and apprehending suspects and wanted criminals. The newly introduced “Face Trace System (FTS)” utilises artificial intelligence to create a comprehensive data bank of over 18 million individuals, including suspects and criminals. This advanced facial recognition technology will enable law enforcement officers across Punjab province to efficiently locate wanted criminals and accused persons. The system developed by Punjab Police Information Technology (IT) wing in collaboration with Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), collected data from various sections and organizations within the Punjab police, leading to the development of this advanced system.
The implementation of the FTS has been made accessible to investigating officers all over the province, significantly streamlining the identification process. Now, with just the press of a button, investigating officers can instantly verify and identify suspects and criminals through the online platform. The data compiled for the system includes 16 million records and pictures from the driving licenses branch, 1.8 million records from the Crime Record Branch, 1.3 million from the Punjab Khidmat Marakaz, and 300,000 records of accused individuals and criminals from Punjab prisons. Moreover, the FTS will also aid in identifying and tracing suspects detected through CCTV cameras and other sources. The system is built with compatibility for the latest artificial intelligence technology, ensuring speedy arrests following accurate criminal identification. Soon the System will also be connected with e-police post, crime prevention app, etc.
New Vehicle Registration Number Plates with Security Features
The Excise & Taxation Department Sindh introduced New Registration number plates adorned with the design of Sindh’s cultural heritage are made of sun and water resistant and non-bending aluminium sheet, which can be read even in the dark of night and equipped with several security features.
The new number plates are produced in coordination with the National Radio and Telecommunications (NRTC). They would assist in tracking vehicles and make it easier to obtain data. The new number plates have five key security features, including a tracking chip/radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, laser serial number identification, the Sindh government’s monogram, integrated laser mark, and embedded graphics.
Now, by just scanning the number plates of the vehicle the traffic police would be able to get all details of vehicles as the bar code contains complete information regarding the ownership of the vehicle on roads and it would become easier to apprehend stolen as well as non duty paid vehicles, and it will be difficult to duplicate the new enlistment number plates.
Computerization of Land Records
The Governments of Punjab and Sindh have embarked upon a revolutionary initiative of computerization of land records in respective provinces for bringing about a qualitative change in the system and facilitation to the people. The overall objective is to improve service delivery and to enhance the perceived level of tenure security.
Punjab Land Records Authority has been set up through PLRA Act-2017 under the administrative control of the Board of Revenue, Government of the Punjab.
Based upon the PLRA’s futuristic approach of transforming the manual land records management into an efficient, accountable, secure and transparent system through integrated technology solution, thus the property registration system was envisaged.
The transaction costs were previously very high for the poor during the old days of patwari system. Women were denied their land rights and the low mobility of land markets contributed to preserving the highly unequal distribution of land and, therefore, opportunities to improve people’s livelihoods.
Reforms Wing & Special Cell, Board of Revenue, Sindh has been entrusted with the execution of four (04) IT schemes relating to computerization of land records in Sindh, budgetary allocation, utilization and major targets for each are given in Annual Development Program of BOR.
Fully functional G.I.S lab has also been established with required technical manpower, hardware and software capabilities; and the digital maps are being integrated with the computerized land records. First ever Tier III Data Centre has been established at Revenue House, Clifton, Karachi to house computerized land records of the Province.
Recent Developments
Pakistan’s commitment to cutting-edge technology has translated into recent advancements in document security. The exploration of blockchain for document authentication has yielded a verification process that is 30% quicker than conventional methods. Furthermore, the prospective integration of QR codes for instantaneous digital verification promises a paradigm shift, with a projected 95% reduction in verification time.
Conclusion
The security landscape of Pakistani ID and secure documents mirrors the nation’s relentless efforts to combat identity fraud and document replication. Quantitative data substantiates the efficacy of integrated security measures, from the high match accuracy rates of biometric data to the significant reduction in counterfeit incidents. As technology evolves, the continuous innovation and adaptation of security features will be pivotal in fortifying the sanctity of Pakistan’s identification and secure documents.
The writer is Customs, Tariff and Trade Expert