NADRA Clarifies How Overseas Pakistanis Can Register on PakID With Foreign Numbers

Overseas Pakistanis can register on NADRA’s PakID app using a mobile number from the country where they live, according to a clarification reported by local media. A Pakistani phone number is not required for account activation, provided applicants enter their details under the correct country of stay.

The guidance addresses a registration issue some overseas users have faced while applying for identity documents online. If an applicant selects Pakistan as their country of stay, the system may ask for a Pakistani mobile number to send a one-time password (OTP) for verification.

NADRA spokesperson Syed Shabahat Ali said applicants should choose their actual country of residence during registration and provide a mobile number issued there. For example, a Pakistani living in Canada can select Canada and enter a Canadian number to receive the verification code.

After activating their account, users can access PakID services, including applications for the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). NADRA’s official PakID FAQ lists NICOP applications among the services available through the mobile app.

The clarification is useful for Pakistanis abroad who may have assumed they need a local Pakistani SIM to use the app. Applicants should ensure their selected country of stay matches where they currently live, as this affects the mobile-number options shown during registration.

The reported guidance concerns PakID account registration and mobile verification. It does not announce a change to NICOP eligibility, application fees or document requirements. Applicants should check NADRA’s official PakID portal or app for the latest application instructions and service details.