The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has clarified that overseas Pakistanis can register on its Pak ID mobile application using their foreign mobile numbers to apply for identity documents, including the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).
The clarification provides important guidance for Pakistanis living abroad who may not have an active Pakistani SIM card but need to access identity-related services online. It confirms that a Pakistani mobile number is not necessarily required to begin the registration process on the Pak ID app.
The announcement followed a question raised by a Canadian citizen during a NADRA podcast. The individual asked how Pakistanis residing overseas could apply for NICOP if they did not have a Pakistani mobile number.
In response, NADRA clarified that users can register through the Pak ID app with their foreign mobile numbers. This information is particularly relevant to overseas Pakistanis who want to apply for identity documents without relying on a mobile connection issued in Pakistan.
NICOP is an important identity document for eligible Pakistani citizens living abroad. It helps them establish their identity and access relevant services connected with their status as overseas Pakistanis.
For many expatriates, obtaining or renewing identity documents is an essential administrative task. Access to online application services can reduce the need to travel to Pakistan or visit an office in person for procedures that can be completed digitally.
The Pak ID app provides a digital channel for accessing NADRA’s identity document services. The ability to register using a foreign mobile number can make the initial process more convenient for applicants living in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other parts of the world.
The clarification may also help address confusion among applicants who believe that a locally registered Pakistani phone number is mandatory for online registration. Overseas users can instead use their foreign numbers when registering on the application, according to NADRA’s stated guidance.
However, applicants should ensure that the mobile number they provide is active and accessible, particularly if verification messages or other account-related communications are required during the process. They should also follow the instructions displayed in the official application when submitting their personal information and supporting documents.
Applicants must still meet the relevant eligibility requirements for NICOP and provide the information requested by NADRA. Being able to register with a foreign number does not mean that all application requirements or verification procedures are waived.
Overseas Pakistanis planning to apply for a new NICOP or manage an existing identity document should consult NADRA’s official website or the Pak ID app for the latest application requirements, fees, processing times, and verification instructions.
The clarification offers practical guidance for Pakistanis living outside the country by addressing a common question about mobile number requirements. By allowing registration with foreign numbers, the Pak ID facility can help eligible applicants access identity document services without first obtaining a Pakistani mobile connection.
For overseas Pakistanis seeking NICOP services, the key takeaway is that a foreign mobile number can be used to register on the Pak ID app, subject to the application’s verification process and NADRA’s applicable requirements.