NADRA Launches Time-Bound CNIC Facilitation Program

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a time-bound facilitation framework to address the residual gap in adult registration within Pakistan’s National Identity System. While overall adult registration stands at 98.3 percent, approximately 1.7 percent of adults remain unregistered, particularly females and residents in districts with weaker civil documentation coverage. The absence of a Local Government issued computerized birth certificate has been the primary barrier to first-time registration.

Following a detailed ten-year data analysis in coordination with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the Election Commission of Pakistan, the National Commission on the Status of Women, and other stakeholders, NADRA identified the causes of the residual gap and proposed corrective measures. The Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control directed the introduction of a legally grounded facilitation mechanism, which was subsequently approved by the NADRA Authority Board.

NADRA’s Next Evolution: Building Pakistan’s National Authentication Gateway

Under the new framework, Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) may be issued even when a computerized birth certificate is unavailable, provided strict verification conditions are met. This facilitation is valid until 31 December 2026 and is authorized under Section 5(1)(b) and Section 20 of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000, along with Rule 8 of the NADRA NIC Rules, 2002.

Key verification requirements include:

• Married women (18+): Valid Nikah Nama, CNIC/NICOP of a parent, CNIC/NICOP of husband, and biometric verification of one parent and husband.

• Unmarried women (18+): CNIC/NICOP of a parent and biometric verification of one parent.

• Males (24+): CNIC/NICOP of a parent, one sibling with valid CNIC/NICOP, and biometric verification of one parent.

• Exemptions: Granted if both parents or the husband are deceased but records exist within NADRA, subject to verification checks.

The framework also allows Teslin non-smart CNICs under the Normal category to be issued free of charge. Once registered, parentage, date of birth, and place of birth will be irrevocable, so applicants are advised to ensure accuracy.

Eligible citizens are encouraged to visit the nearest NADRA Registration Centre to take advantage of this time-bound facilitation and complete their CNIC registration.