ISLAMABAD: The national database registration authority (NADRA) has now introduced a conditional facility to issue identity cards without a birth certificate for a limited period of time.
According to a statement from NADRA, the registration process for the adult population in Pakistan has been completed for approximately 98.3 percent of individuals. However, a gap of 1.7 percent remains, which is more pronounced among women. This shortfall is most noticeable in districts where the civil documentation system is weak. In many cases, the lack of computerized birth certificates issued by the local government has been identified as the biggest barrier to first-time registration.
The statement also noted that while preparing its annual report for 2025, NADRA, in collaboration with the Bureau of Statistics, the Election Commission, the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, and other relevant institutions, conducted an in-depth analysis of data from the past ten years.
The purpose of this exercise was to identify the reasons for the decline in registration, assess demographic trends and the gender gap, and suggest corrective measures. Based on these findings, a legal and systematic facilitation mechanism was developed under the direction of Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, which has now been approved by the NADRA Authority Board.
NADRA has introduced a temporary facility for first-time registrations that will remain available until December 31, 2026. Under this framework, a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) can be issued with strict verification conditions, even in the absence of a birth certificate. This facility is provided under the NADRA Ordinance 2000 and NADRA Rules 2002, which permit alternative verification systems in specific categories.
Under this procedure, a CNIC will be issued only if the identity is confirmed through biometric verification of the current NADRA record and registered close family members. For married women aged 18 or older, a computerized marriage certificate, a card from one of the parents, the husband’s card, and biometric verification of the husband or one of the parents are mandatory. For unmarried women, the requirements related to a husband do not apply; however, the parents’ card and biometric verification are required.
For male applicants over the age of 24, it is required that their parents and at least one sibling have a NADRA identity card. Additionally, biometric verification from either the father or mother is mandatory. In cases where parents or husbands have passed away but their records are available in NADRA, an authorized officer can exempt an applicant from biometric verification based on these records.
To facilitate the public, Teslin (non-smart) CNICs applied for under the normal category will be issued free of charge within this framework. NADRA has clarified that once information such as parentage, date of birth, and place of birth is entered into the system, it cannot be altered.
Therefore, individuals are encouraged to ensure the accuracy of their information at the time of registration. Eligible individuals are invited to visit the nearest NADRA center to take advantage of this limited-time facility.
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