ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) in collaboration with JazzCash and EasyPaisa has introduced the facility of accepting digital payments for its services at all Nadra registration centres (NRCs).

Citizens can now digitally pay the fee for processing ID cards and other identity documents through their JazzCash/EasyPaisa app in real-time.

This service complements the recently launched credit/debit card payments at NRCs, adding to public convenience by providing alternative digital payment methods along with the existing cash payment option. The service shall be available to over 23 million mobile wallet customers.

Around 14 million JazzCash, 10m EasyPaisa wallet customers to benefit from facility

The inauguration ceremony in this regard took place at Nadra headquarters, and was attended by the authority’s chairman, Tariq Malik, JazzCash CEO Murtaza Ali and Telenor Microfinance Bank and EasyPaisa CEO Mohammad Mudassar Aqil.

Nadra’s collaboration with mobile wallets for contactless payments is a major step towards a digital and documented economy, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and the State Bank of Pakistan.

Speaking at the launch of the digital payment gateways for citizens, Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik said he envisioned Nadra to be a trailblazer in the field of identity management thereby vying for global standard, set forth.

“While we tread aggressively on the path to achieve goals of smart governance and improved service delivery, providing convenience to the common man and society at large has been the singular motive behind Nadra’s digital intervention under my leadership,” he said.

Mr Malik said the digital payment platform provided easy payment options to a huge number of potential customers already registered with both JazzCash and EasyPaisa.

Around 100,000 customers visit Nadra centres across the country every day.

Digitalising payment systems aim at bringing a huge customer base on digital net by offering them an easy and secure mode of payment while pivoting towards a Digital Pakistan, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, JazzCash CEO Murtaza Ali said: “JazzCash and Nadra have a longstanding relationship and today’s announcement is another step towards digitalising essential public services.”

“As the largest digital mobile wallet, we consider it our national duty to assist the government in shifting to a cashless economy, making such strategic alliances crucial. This partnership will facilitate our fellow citizens by enabling digital payments against Nadra services, making transactions more secure and convenient,” Mr Ali said.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2022