Nadra cancels 4.2 million CNICs of deceased individuals across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has cancelled approximately 4.2 million Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) belonging to individuals who have been officially recorded as deceased in provincial civil registration systems, according to a statement issued by the authority.

Nadra explained that, in many instances, while the deaths of individuals are properly registered with local civil registration authorities, their next of kin often do not apply for the cancellation of the deceased's CNICs. This has led to inconsistencies between civil registration records and Nadra’s own database.

The authority outlined that, under the existing legal framework, it is responsible for maintaining and updating the national citizen database by incorporating vital life-event information—such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces—received from provincial and local Civil Registration Management Systems (CRMS). This information is typically reported and registered at the local level by blood relatives of the individuals concerned, through authorities such as union councils, town committees, and cantonment boards.

The statement further detailed, “In particular, the cancellation of CNICs of deceased individuals is a critical step in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the national database.” Nadra reiterated its commitment to keeping the national database up to date and urged citizens to actively participate in the process by ensuring timely registration and reporting of vital events.

The authority also emphasized the importance of collaboration between citizens and local registration bodies to maintain accurate records, which are essential for effective governance and service delivery.