98.3% adult registration achieved as Nadra unveils time-bound facilitation to close remaining gap

• Authority says residual 1.7% registration gap remains, mostly among females and underserved districts

• Identifies missing LG birth certificates as primary hurdle for first-time registrants

• Nadra’s framework allows CNIC issuance through verified family records until 31 December 2026

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has achieved an impressive 98.3 percent adult registration in the National Identity System, yet a residual gap of approximately 1.7 percent persists. This shortfall is more pronounced among females and, for both genders, in certain districts where civil documentation coverage is comparatively weaker, according to the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

It is said that in most cases, the absence of a Local Government-issued computerized birth certificate—the primary feeder document for first-time registration—has been the main impediment.

During the preparation of its Annual Report 2025, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) conducted a detailed analysis of registration data spanning the last ten years in coordination with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the Election Commission of Pakistan, the National Commission on the Status of Women, the National Commission for Child Welfare and Development, and other stakeholders. The exercise examined demographic trends, district-level variations, and gender differentials to identify causes of the residual gap and recommend corrective measures.

Following the presentation of these findings, the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control directed the introduction of a structured, legally grounded facilitation mechanism, which was subsequently approved by the NADRA Authority Board.

Accordingly, NADRA has launched a time-bound facilitation for first-time registration, valid until 31 December 2026. Under this framework, Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) may be issued—subject to strict verification conditions—where a Local Government-issued computerized birth certificate is not available.

This facilitation has been approved under Section 5(1)(b) and Section 20 of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000, read with Rule 8 of the NADRA NIC Rules, 2002, which permit alternative verification mechanisms for specified categories.

CNIC issuance under this framework is allowed only where identity can be established through NADRA’s existing records and mandatory biometric verification of already registered immediate family members.

For a married woman aged 18 or above, a valid Local Government Nikah Nama, a valid CNIC or NICOP of either parent, a valid CNIC or NICOP of the husband, and biometric verification of one parent and the husband are mandatory.

For an unmarried female aged 18 or above, the husband-related condition does not apply; however, a valid CNIC or NICOP of either parent and biometric verification of one parent remain mandatory.

For a male applicant above 24 years, issuance is allowed only if either parent holds a valid CNIC or NICOP and at least one sibling also holds a valid CNIC or NICOP, with mandatory biometric verification of one parent.

Where both parents or the husband are deceased but their records exist in NADRA, the authorised officer may grant exemption from biometric verification, subject to record-based linkage and satisfactory verification checks.

The facilitation is strictly time-bound and verification-based. To further assist applicants, Teslin non-smart CNICs applied for under the Normal category will be issued under this framework free of charge.

Once recorded in the National Identity System, parentage, date of birth, and place of birth will be irrevocable and non-changeable. Citizens are therefore urged to ensure all information is accurate at the time of registration.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to approach the nearest NADRA Registration Centre to avail themselves of this time-bound facilitation.