ISLAMABAD:
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a time-limited mechanism for citizens to obtain a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) even without a computerized birth certificate, after it emerged that nearly 1.7 per cent of the country’s adult population remained unregistered.
Despite the completion of registration of approximately 98.3% of the adult population in the national identity system, approximately 1.7% of adults have not yet obtained their identity cards.
Officials said women constitute the majority of those who have not obtained CNICs. The problem is more pronounced in some districts where fewer citizens have obtained civil birth documents from local government institutions, resulting in both men and women being excluded from the registration network.
NADRA carries out the first registration on the basis of a computerized birth certificate issued by local authorities, and the absence of this document has been identified as a major barrier to comprehensive coverage.
While preparing its Annual Report 2025, NADRA conducted a detailed analysis of registration data of the last 10 years in collaboration with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), National Commission for Child Welfare and Development (NCCWD) and other relevant institutions.
The review examined demographic trends and disparities between districts and genders to identify the causes of the registration gap and suggest corrective measures.
In light of these recommendations, the Minister of Home Affairs ordered the introduction of a structured and legally based facilitation arrangement, which was subsequently approved by the NADRA Board.
Under the new mechanism – effective until December 31, 2026 – individuals who do not have a computerized birth certificate issued by the local government can be issued a CNIC, provided they meet the prescribed verification requirements.
The facility is being expanded in accordance with the provisions of the NADRA Ordinance and relevant CNIC Rules which permit alternative verification procedures in specific circumstances to improve registration.
Identity cards under this scheme will be issued only to those persons whose identity can be established through existing NADRA records and after mandatory biometric verification of already registered immediate family members.
For married women aged 18 years or above, a verified marriage certificate issued by the local government, CNIC of either parent, CNIC of husband and biometric verification of one parent and husband will be mandatory.
Single women aged 18 years or above must provide the CNIC of either parent along with biometric verification of the parent holding a CNIC.
Male applicants above the age of 24 must ensure that either parent has a CNIC and at least one sibling is registered, while biometric verification of a parent will also be required.
