Pakistan added to the ID Database

During the last half of 2018, Pakistan was added to the ID Database. So far the content has been focused on documents and registers, but the Pakistan section is under development, and new information will be added shortly.

Pakistan is currently facing considerfable challenges in the ID field. A high level of corruption linked to issuance of ID documents is one of them, since bribing authority personnel can be both simple and virtually risk-free. Corruption is also often seen in cases where people are legally entitled to ID documents and want a more swift process.

In addition to this, issuance of all Pakistani ID documents is based on hand-written birth certificates, meaning that the integrity of both passports and national ID cards rests on this archive. The consequences include issuance of genuine national ID cards and passport containing incorrect information. The pervasive corruption in combination with problems linked to the uncertainties surrounding breeder documents that are accepted as basis for issuance and inadequate checking routines, indicate that Pakistani ID and civil status documents have low integrity.

Falsified or forged ID documents are also widespread in Pakistan. Blank security papers can easily and relatively cheaply be acquired in local markets. Of the total, detected misuse in Norway Pakistan consitutes less than one per cent, according to 2017 figures.

Pakistani authorities have made great long-term efforts to find solutions that may lead to improved document security and registration in public offices. Lately, much work has been done in particular with developing digital civil registers that include biometrical data, along with electronic ID cards with several security features. The electronic ID cards are to replace previously issued non-biometrical ID cards. This appears to be a very promising development.

The ID Database offers an extensive and detailed overview of Pakistani passports, national ID cards and other documents. It also provides detailed information concerning registers and issuing authorities, along with descriptions of the many challenges linked to organising and building routines in the ID field.

Norwegian ID Centre is planning a trip to Pakistan in the spring of 2019 to take a closer look at ID work in the country.