The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a set of upgraded identity services to improve accessibility and transparency for citizens across Pakistan. Among the most notable changes is a new option for women to list their father’s name instead of their husband’s on their Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) a move widely welcomed for promoting women’s autonomy and choice.
Speaking at a press briefing in Karachi, NADRA Director and Spokesperson Syed Shabahat Ali announced that these services are now available at newly established 24/7 National Registration Centres (Big NRCs) in Malir Cantt, Malir, and Surjani Town. These centers aim to provide round-the-clock support for CNICs, B-Forms, and family registration services.
As part of a countrywide overhaul, NADRA has also redesigned the child registration certificate, commonly known as the B-Form. Children above the age of three will now be required to submit photographs and biometric data, while younger children will continue with a simplified process. Each child will now receive an individual B-Form, which will be necessary for passport applications, replacing all earlier versions.
To further enhance convenience, NADRA has shifted many ID services from post offices to over 1,200 union councils across the country, including 100 in Sindh and 20 in Karachi. These local offices will now handle services like CNIC renewals, changes in marital status, and replacements for lost ID cards.
In addition, citizens — especially overseas Pakistanis — can continue to use the Pak-ID mobile app to access services from anywhere, with standard fees applying.
Through these updates, NADRA hopes to make identity registration simpler, more inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the public, particularly women and children who have often faced challenges in the current system.
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