ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced that it will issue a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to those seeking registration for the first time without a birth certificate.
According to NADRA, this concession will be effective till December 31, 2026 and has been approved under the relevant provisions of the NADRA Ordinance 2000 and the NADRA NIC Rules 2002, which allow alternative verification methods in certain categories.
The statement said that under this framework, the issuance of CNIC will be done only if the identity of the applicant is proven from the existing records of NADRA and mandatory biometric verification of already registered close family members is completed.
Guidelines:
For married women aged 18 years and above, a valid marriage certificate from the local government, CNIC or NICOP of either parent, CNIC or NICOP of husband, and biometric verification of either parent or husband will be required along with the application.
For unmarried women aged 18 years and above, the husband requirement will not apply; however, a CNIC or NICOP of either parent and biometric verification of one parent will be mandatory.
For male applicants aged 24 years and above, the application will be approved only if either parent has a valid CNIC or NICOP, and at least one sister or brother also has a CNIC or NICOP, while biometric verification of one father will be mandatory.
The statement further said that if both parents or husbands are deceased but their records are available with NADRA, the authorised officer may exempt them from biometric verification, provided that a satisfactory verification based on the records is completed.
According to NADRA, non-smart CNICs applied for in the normal category will be issued without any fee.
The authority has warned that once registered in the National Identification System, the parentage, date of birth and place of birth will be final and unchangeable, so ensure the accuracy of all information at the time of citizen registration.
NADRA has asked eligible individuals to approach the nearest registration centre to avail the stipulated facility.
