The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a time-bound facilitation for first-time CNIC applicants.
In a statement, the authority said that while Pakistan has achieved approximately 98.3 percent adult registration in the national identity system, there is still a remaining gap of nearly 1.7 percent. It said the disparity was more pronounced among women and, for both sexes, in certain districts where civil documentation coverage is relatively weak.
In most such cases, the absence of a local government-issued computerized birth certificate, the primary feeder document for initial registration, has been the main obstacle.
“While preparing its annual report for 2025, NADRA conducted a detailed analysis of registration data from the past ten years in coordination with Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Election Commission of Pakistan, National Commission on the Status of Women, National Commission for Child Welfare and Development and other stakeholders,” the statement read.
The exercise examined demographic trends, district-level variations and gender disparities to identify the reasons for the remaining disparity and formulate corrective measures.
After the presentation of the results, the Federal Minister for Home Affairs and Narcotics Control directed the introduction of a structured and legally sound facilitation mechanism, which was subsequently approved by the NADRA Authority Board, the communiqué said.
“Accordingly, NADRA has introduced a time-bound facilitation for first-time registration, valid till December 31, 2026. Under this framework, Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) can be issued – subject to strict verification conditions – where a computerized birth certificate issued by local authorities is not available.”
CNIC issuance under this framework will be allowed only if identity is established through NADRA’s existing records and mandatory biometric verification of already registered immediate family members.
For a married woman aged 18 years or above, a valid local government Nikah Nama, a valid CNIC or NICOP for both parents, a valid CNIC or NICOP for the husband and biometric verification of one parent and the husband will be mandatory.
For an unmarried woman aged 18 or over, the husband-related condition does not apply. However, a valid CNIC or NICOP for both parents and biometric verification of one parent will be mandatory.
For a male applicant above 24 years of age, issuance will be allowed only if one of the parents has a valid CNIC or NICOP and at least one sibling also has a valid CNIC or NICOP, along with mandatory biometric verification of one parent.
