Former chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Tariq Malik has been named among the world’s top digital identity leaders in the ‘Identity 25’ global list released by Okta.

The selected leaders are acknowledged for advancing technologies that protect digital transactions while improving access to online services.

Okta credited Malik with more than 25 years of experience advising governments and international institutions on developing national digital identification and civil registration frameworks aimed at expanding financial inclusion.

During his tenure at NADRA, Malik led one of the world’s largest biometric identity registration programs. The authority enrolled over 145 million citizens durnng his service period, assisted internally displaced populations, promoted women’s empowerment programmes, and reduced corruption through verified identity systems.

The report also mentioned the growing global adoption of password-free authentication technologies and verifiable digital credentials that allow users to share limited, encrypted identity information.

Malik stepped down as NADRA chairman in 2023 after previously serving in the role until 2013.