The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new policy enabling eligible citizens to obtain a computerized national identity card without a local government-issued birth certificate.
Addressing the Identity Gap
Although NADRA has registered 98.3 percent of Pakistan’s adult population, about 1.7 percent remain without identity cards. Most unregistered individuals are women, and in districts with low civil birth registration, both men and women face difficulties completing registration.
Traditionally, NADRA requires a computerized birth certificate for first-time registration. Its absence has been a significant barrier to identity card access. After reviewing ten years of registration data alongside the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the Election Commission, and national commissions for women and children, NADRA identified gaps and proposed corrective measures.
Eligibility and Verification Requirements
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi instructed NADRA to provide a structured solution, which the NADRA Authority Board approved. This facility will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
Applicants without birth certificates can receive identity cards after strict verification. This includes biometric confirmation from close family members already registered in NADRA’s system.
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Married women aged 18 or above must provide a valid marriage certificate, their parent’s identity card, the husband’s identity card, and biometric verification of a parent and husband.
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Unmarried women aged 18 or above must present one parent’s identity card and biometric verification from that parent.
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Men over 24 years must show that at least one parent holds a computerized identity card, at least one sibling is registered, and provide biometric verification from one parent.
If both parents or a husband are deceased but their records exist in NADRA’s database, an authorized officer may grant exemption from biometric verification.
Registration Process and Conditions
Under this temporary facility, NADRA will issue non-smart identity cards in the normal category free of charge. After registration, parentage, date of birth, and place of birth will become final and cannot be modified.
Applicants must ensure that all information is accurate before completing registration. Citizens are advised to visit the nearest NADRA registration center before the deadline to take advantage of this opportunity.
Ensuring Inclusivity in National Registration
This initiative aims to bridge the remaining gaps in national registration, particularly for women and citizens in remote districts. By allowing conditional registration without birth certificates, NADRA ensures broader access to identity cards while maintaining secure verification standards.
