Nadra rolls out iris recognition system

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development to strengthen biometric verification system, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has deployed Iris Recognition System (IRS) at its centres for identity verification and citizen deduplication. Nadra started off with fingerprint matching as the first biometric deduplication modality over a decade ago which was subsequently strengthened with facial images matching capability. The Iris technology will now match Nadra’s existing biometric verification system, the authority said. The IRS, which was piloted at Nadra headquarters, has now been rolled out in Nadra mega centres at Blue Area Islamabad, Peco Road Lahore and DHA Karachi. The phased deployment of the technology will continue across all 700 NRCs nationwide. This automated biometric identification modality registers distinctive patterns within a ring-shaped region surrounding the pupil of each eye for identification. The iris recognition is an extremely reliable and accurate identification method with negligible false match rates, the Nadra said, while adding third biometric modality to its biometric verification system.

Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik said that the deployment of premium identity authentication by the authority leverages state-of-the-art recognition technology, offering precision with enhanced security and efficiency in the identity verification of citizens. The introduction of the IRS marks a significant leap forward in securing citizens’ identities, he said.

With its remarkably low false match rates, the IRS stands out as a highly reliable and accurate option. Nadra is all set to utilise the coloured, ring-shaped portion of eyes for citizen verification that doesn’t change throughout the life and can be treated as a person’s permanent identity even if captured at young age.

Malik further noted that since no two irises are the same, such modality of verification is not susceptible to identity duplication and theft.

In IRS a mathematical algorithm is used to convert complex patterns into templates for matching. A combined facial, iris and fingerprint matching will complement each other for immutable identity provision and more accurate verification by Nadra.