Summary
Pakistan is launching a tender for 22 million biometric ID cards via NADRA, aiming to streamline CNIC issuance amidst concerns of fraud. Bids are due by October 10, with stringent technical and compliance requirements set for bidders.
Pakistan is initiating a bid process to acquire 22 million personalized smart biometric identification cards as part of its national digital identity program, managed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Sealed bids for the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC) contract must be submitted by October 10, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for September 17 in Islamabad. The government’s recognition of the necessity to streamline CNIC issuance to alleviate long wait times comes amidst a backdrop of past proposals to involve local union councils in the process, which were deemed impractical due to limited resources. The required polycarbonate smart cards are designed to hold biometric templates for all ten fingerprints, enabling both identity verification (1:1) and identification (I:N) capabilities. The involved biometric algorithms are mandated to comply with NIST’s MINEX III interoperability standard and to meet the Oracle Java Card Platform Biometric API specifications. Furthermore, bidders must hold certifications including ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and either Visa or Mastercard accreditations. The manufacturing process is restricted to the primary contractor, with no subcontracting allowed. The successful bidders will personalize the cards using advanced chip encoding and laser engraving technology from established suppliers Muhlbauer and Datacard. Bidders must submit 500 samples initially, with the selected vendor required to produce a subsequent batch of 5,000 cards for testing. Additionally, they must provide documentation of national ID card projects completed in the past seven years. Recently, an assistant director of NADRA was implicated in a scandal involving the issuance of fraudulent ID cards to Afghan nationals, highlighting the need for stringent oversight in this undertaking.
The issuance of biometric national ID cards is a critical component of Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its identification processes and reduce fraud. NADRA is the government’s key agency responsible for civil registration and identity management. Biometric identification, including fingerprint recognition, is increasingly recognized for its capability to improve security and streamline access to services. Pakistan aims to address challenges associated with the issuance of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC), such as long processing times and fraudulent activities. By integrating advanced biometrics into national ID cards, the government seeks to bolster the integrity of identity verification.
The launch of the bid process for 22 million biometric national ID cards signifies Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing its identity management framework. By procuring these advanced smart cards, the government aims to reduce wait times for CNIC issuance, enhance security, and minimize fraud. The stringent requirements set for bidders reflect the necessity of both compliance with international standards and the assurance of high-quality manufacturing. This initiative is indicative of the broader trend towards biometric solutions in national identification efforts globally, and underscores the importance of technological integration in public administration.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
