NADRA
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced significant revisions to the National Identity Card Rules of 2002, aiming to improve data accuracy, combat child trafficking, and enhance the integrity of legal documentation throughout Pakistan.
These reforms are expected to create a more reliable system for identity registration and verification, addressing long-standing issues in the country’s civil registration processes.
A key component of the new rules is the mandatory registration of births at the local union council level before a B-form can be issued. This requirement is intended to prevent fake or fraudulent registrations, which have historically contributed to the problem of child trafficking in various parts of the country.
By ensuring that all births are properly recorded and verified from the grassroots level, NADRA hopes to strengthen the foundation of Pakistan’s identity documentation system.
The updated guidelines for B-form registration introduce age-specific biometric requirements to further enhance identity security. Children under three years of age will not be required to provide biometric data or photographs at the time of registration.
However, children between the ages of three and ten will now need to submit both a photograph and an iris scan. For those aged ten to eighteen, the process will be more comprehensive, requiring a photograph, biometric data, and an iris scan. This graduated approach balances the need for security with the practicalities of registering young children.
Another important change is that each child will be issued a separate B-form, which will have a defined validity period. While previously issued B-forms will remain valid, parents and guardians will need to obtain a new B-form for their child in order to apply for a passport, ensuring that travel documents are linked to up-to-date registration data.
In addition to these changes, NADRA has also introduced legal recognition for Family Registration Certificates (FRCs). These certificates, which detail the members of a family, will now carry legal status and require citizens to declare the accuracy of the information they provide.
The FRCs will be strictly based on NADRA’s official records, promoting consistency and preventing misuse. The updated system also accommodates detailed family structures, including cases where men have more than one spouse. Moreover, women will have the choice to list either their father’s or husband’s name on their ID cards, offering greater flexibility.
To improve administrative efficiency, NADRA has committed to resolving cases related to the seizure, cancellation, or restoration of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) within 30 days. This timeline aims to reduce delays and provide timely service to citizens.
Furthermore, NADRA has introduced a new, affordable chipless ID card that combines many features of the smart card but can be produced faster and at a lower cost.
These cards will display information in both Urdu and English and include a QR code for quick and easy verification, without any additional fees. This innovation seeks to make secure identification more accessible to the general public while maintaining high standards of functionality and security.
Finally, NADRA has called upon citizens who possess ID cards with incorrect or outdated information to voluntarily update their records. This initiative is part of the broader effort to ensure that identity documentation across Pakistan is accurate and reliable, supporting the country’s goals for a secure and efficient civil registration system.
