NADRA Updates ID Laws
NADRA Updates ID Laws. After 23 years: Major changes in the laws of the National Identity Card, NADRA’s important step towards digital facilities
Islamabad: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has made fundamental amendments to the laws related to the National Identity Card after 23 years. These amendments aim to provide online and digital facilities to the citizens of Pakistan, modernize the identification system, and fill the legal gap.
Biometric identification
The amended laws have declared facial image, fingerprints, and eye (iris) scanning as a regular part of biometric identification. This is aimed at making the identification process more secure and reliable.
Punjab Launches Interest-Free Livestock Loans for 80,000 Farmers
New registration system for children
Now, after the birth of a child, it has been made mandatory to register the birth with the Union Council before issuing the B Form or Child Registration Certificate (CRC).
- Below 3 years: No biometric requirement
- 3 to 10 years: Photo mandatory, Iris scan optional
- 10 to 18 years: Full biometric (photo, fingerprints, iris scan) mandatory
- Each child will be issued an individual certificate, which will have legal status for a specified period.
Good News for Punjab Farmers: Get Up to Rs. 5.24 Lakh Interest-Free for Livestock in 2025
Legal status of Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
Now, the Family Registration Certificate will be recognized as a regular legal document based on NADRA data. Citizens will have to provide accurate information about their family structure.
Family has been divided into three categories:
- A: Birth-based
- B: Marriage-based
- G: Adopted
Enrollment of all spouses and children has been made mandatory, even if there is more than one marriage.
Women have the option of registering their identity card
Now, married women will have the option of registering the name of either their father or husband on their identity card. This step has been taken to give women autonomy over their identity.
Punjab Gov. Released a Grant of Rs. 42 Billion for “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’’ Project
Teslin card with new security features
NADRA has also modernized non-chip (Teslin) CNICs:
- Information in Urdu and English
- QR code in place of a thumbprint
- Addition of modern security features (equivalent to a smart card)
- No additional fees
- These cards are being issued quickly and at a low cost so that more people can benefit.
New system of verification, objection, and correction
NADRA has introduced a law to dispose of all objections, verification, seizure, or cancellation cases within 30 days. This process will now be monitored at the district, regional, and federal levels.
Citizens will have the right to apply for correction voluntarily if there is any error in their records.
BISP 8171 CNIC Survey 2025: A Full Registration Guide
Special facilities for overseas Pakistanis
- NADRA’s Pak ID app is being updated for overseas Pakistanis, which will enable them to get online services through biometric login.
- This facility will be available in the first phase for Pakistanis residing in the UAE.
- The NADRA facility centers at Pakistan Post have been shifted to Union Councils to facilitate services at the local level.
Digital document facility
Pakistanis living abroad are now being provided with the facility to download their identity documents through NADRA’s website or mobile app.
At the same time, the fee system is also being aligned with new smart cards and online facilities.
Data security concerns
Although these reforms are welcome, several questions have been raised about NADRA’s data security in the past.
After the NADRA data leak incidents in 2020 and 2024, experts have warned that it is imperative to strengthen data protection laws and cybersecurity along with these reforms.
Conclusion
These steps by NADRA are a revolutionary step towards making Pakistan’s identity system digital, transparent, and secure. These legal amendments, made after 23 years, will not only facilitate citizens but also strengthen the government’s Digital Pakistan campaign.