Somali Officials Visit NADRA to Explore Pakistan’s Social Protection and Digital Identity Systems

A high-level delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia visited the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) headquarters in Islamabad as part of a study tour focused on social protection and digital governance.

The delegation, led by Ms. Firdosa Ahmed Abdullahi, Program Director at Somalia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, aimed to learn from Pakistan’s successful digital systems and citizen support frameworks.

Pakistan Shares Expertise in Digital Welfare and Citizen Services

During the visit, senior NADRA officials delivered an in-depth presentation on the organization’s role in implementing social welfare initiatives and maintaining a comprehensive digital identity system. The briefing covered several flagship programs, including:

• National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), a key tool used to identify beneficiaries for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)
• Emergency response systems such as the Watan Card and the COVID-19 Emergency Cash Assistance

Officials explained how NADRA’s secure, centralized database enables transparent and efficient public service delivery across Pakistan.

Strengthening Pakistan-Somalia Collaboration on Digital Reforms

As part of Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation, NADRA is also assisting Somalia in establishing its national identity system.

Somali Delegation Praises Pakistan’s Digital Model

At the conclusion of the visit, Ms. Firdosa expressed her appreciation for Pakistan’s expertise and extended gratitude on behalf of the Somali government. She noted that Pakistan’s digital framework could serve as a strong model for Somalia’s development efforts in social protection.

They were also accompanied by Mr. Naseer Khan, a Social Protection Specialist representing the World Bank, who is supporting Somalia’s reforms in citizen registration and social safety.