ISLAMABAD:
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a time-bound facility to allow citizens to get a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) even without a Computerized Birth Certificate after it was found that nearly 1.7% of the country’s adult population remains unregistered.
Despite the completion of registration for approx. 98.3% of the adult population in the national identity system, about 1.7% of adults have yet to receive their identity card.
Officials said women make up the majority of those who have not secured CNICs. The problem is more pronounced in certain districts where fewer citizens have obtained civil birth documents from local public institutions, resulting in both men and women being left out of the registration net.
NADRA conducts initial registration on the basis of a computerized birth certificate issued by local authorities, and the absence of this document has been identified as a significant barrier to full coverage.
While preparing its annual report for 2025, NADRA conducted a detailed analysis of registration data from the past 10 years in collaboration with 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 population trends and disparities across districts and gender to identify the causes of the registration gap and suggest corrective measures.
In light of these recommendations, the Home Minister directed the introduction of a structured and legally sound facilitation which was subsequently approved by the NADRA Board.
Under the new mechanism – valid until December 31, 2026 – individuals who do not hold a local government-issued computerized birth certificate can be issued a CNIC, provided they meet the prescribed verification requirements.
The facility is extended under the provisions of the NADRA Regulation and relevant CNIC rules allowing alternative verification procedures under special circumstances to enhance registration.
Identity cards under this scheme will be issued only to persons whose identity can be ascertained through existing NADRA records and after mandatory biometric verification of close family members already registered.
For married women aged 18 years or above, a verified marriage certificate issued by the local government, CNIC of both parents, husband’s CNIC and biometric verification of one parent and the husband will be mandatory.
Unmarried women aged 18 years or above must provide CNIC from both parents along with biometric verification of the parent holding a CNIC.
Male applicants above the age of 24 must ensure that both parents have a CNIC and that at least one sibling is registered, while biometric verification of one parent will also be required.
