NADRA Eases CNIC Rules Until December 2026

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a time-bound facilitation allowing first-time applicants to obtain Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) without a Local Government-issued computerised birth certificate until December 31, 2026.

The decision follows a review which showed that 98.3% of Pakistan’s adult population is registered in the national identity system, leaving around 1.7% without CNICs. NADRA said the documentation gap is more pronounced among women and in districts where civil registration coverage remains weak, with the absence of computerised birth certificates cited as a key hurdle.

While preparing its Annual Report 2025, NADRA conducted a ten-year analysis of registration data 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 review assessed demographic patterns, district-level disparities and gender gaps to determine reasons for the shortfall.

Following the findings, the federal interior minister directed the introduction of a structured facilitation mechanism, which was later approved by the NADRA Authority Board.

Under the new framework, CNICs may be issued without a computerised birth certificate, subject to strict verification requirements and biometric confirmation of registered immediate family members.

For married women aged 18 years and above, applicants must provide a Local Government-issued Nikah Nama, a valid CNIC or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) of either parent, a valid CNIC or NICOP of the husband, and biometric verification of one parent and the husband.

For unmarried women aged 18 years and 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 male applicants above 24 years of age, CNIC issuance will be permitted only if either parent holds a valid CNIC or NICOP and at least one sibling also possesses a valid CNIC or NICOP, along with biometric verification of one parent.

NADRA stated that non-smart CNICs applied for under the normal category through this scheme will be issued without any fee. It cautioned that once parentage, date of birth and place of birth are recorded in the National Identity System, these details will be permanent and non-changeable.