INSIDE provides SmartFilm for Pakistan e-passport
29 October, 2004
category: Biometrics, Contactless, Government
Pakistan has chosen INSIDE Contactless to assist in developoment of its machine readable passports, using INSIDE’s SmartFilm and readers. The film combines a secure chip containing personal identification with a security film, which guards against tampering or forgery.
INSIDE Contactless has been selected by National Database and Registration Authority of Pakistan, NADRA, to supply SmartFilm(tm) and readers for the national deployment of machine readable passports (MRP) in Pakistan. SmartFilm(tm) was specifically designed by INSIDE Contactless and FASVER, to integrate a contactless chip into a passport as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) recommendations. It combines a secure chip containing personal identification such as facial and fingerprint biometric data with a security film, which also includes printing and adhesive security features against forgery, and for tampering evidence. Its integration into the passport is fully compatible with the current booklets, and their personalization systems. It does not require any changes in the procurement process and the supply chain.
“The MRP, incorporating NADRA’s state-of-the-art computer technology, is a new and innovative concept in the world that will elevate Pakistan’s image, open new economic vistas and meet the United States visa waiver policy,” says NADRA’s Chairman Brig (Retd) Saleem Ahmed Moeen. “We selected INSIDE because of their innovative solution and the dedicated support they have given us to meet our requirements for the MRP.”
The Pakistan government has given NADRA the “green signal” to produce and introduce the passports and other paraphernalia including the Automatic Border Control (ABC) machine, which would be installed at all exit routes.
Dennis Khoo, INSIDE’s Vice President and General Manager for the Asia Pacific Region comments: “The smartFilm(tm) showcase project with NADRA is the first passport of its kind in the world, this e-passport initiative will minimize if not eliminate the fraudulent issuance and usage of passports”.
The smartFilm(tm) has been awarded the SESAME for Best Application in IT Security at Cartes 2003 Paris and more recently, Card Technology’s Breakthrough Innovation award at CTST 2004, USA.