Punjab has introduced mandatory biometric verification for registering and issuing birth, death and marriage certificates through union councils. The new system aims to prevent fraudulent registrations and make the process more transparent for citizens.
Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique inaugurated the Civil Registration Management System (CRMS) on Friday. The initiative forms part of the government’s ‘Digital Punjab, Transparent Punjab’ programme.
The Punjab Local Government Department developed the system in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Under the new arrangement, applicants must undergo biometric verification against NADRA’s database before authorities issue the relevant certificates.
How the New Biometric Verification System Will Work
The new system aims to strengthen the verification process and reduce the risk of fake civil registration documents. During the inauguration ceremony, Rafique said the initiative would improve access to transparent public services while addressing fraudulent certificate issuance.
Furthermore, the government plans to introduce the system in phases across all union councils in Punjab. This rollout will gradually extend biometric verification to local registration offices throughout the province.
According to the minister, the system should also help citizens obtain authentic certificates without relying on personal recommendations or paying bribes. He praised the local government department and NADRA teams for implementing the initiative.
The project also aligns with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s stated vision of making public services more accessible to citizens.
Minister Reviews Suthra Punjab Sanitation Operations
Alongside the registration reforms, Rafique chaired a meeting at the Suthra Punjab Authority Office to review sanitation operations across eight divisions. These included Gujranwala, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Multan and Faisalabad.
Chief Minister’s Focal Person for Suthra Punjab Asim Mehmood attended the meeting, along with Local Government Director General Benish Fatima and municipal and local government officers. Participants joined through a video link, while Suthra Punjab Authority Director General Umer Javed briefed them on ongoing sanitation activities.
The meeting also addressed cleanliness arrangements and the responsibilities of local officials during the smog season.
Union Councils Told to Strengthen Cleanliness Monitoring
Rafique directed union council secretaries to supervise cleanliness in villages within their respective jurisdictions. He also stressed the need for stronger field monitoring as smog season continues.
Municipal staff must report incidents involving the burning of garbage or crop residues immediately. Such monitoring aims to help authorities respond to activities that contribute to air pollution.
Additionally, assistant and deputy directors of local government will participate in the monitoring process. Municipal officers have also received ward-level responsibilities in urban areas.
The minister further highlighted the need to address waste accumulating in vacant plots. These instructions form part of the province’s broader sanitation oversight efforts.
What Citizens Should Know
Punjab’s new biometric verification requirement applies to the registration and issuance of birth, death and marriage certificates through union councils. Authorities will verify applicants against NADRA’s database before issuing documents.
However, the government plans to implement the system gradually across the province. Citizens should therefore follow instructions issued by their local union councils as the rollout progresses.
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