NADRA Announces Major CNIC, B-Form Rule Changes

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced significant reforms to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules, 2002, following directives from Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi. The revised rules, approved by the Federal Cabinet, aim to modernize Pakistan’s identity system and align it with current national and international standards.

Under the updated framework, birth registration with the Union Council is now mandatory prior to the issuance of a Child Registration Certificate (CRC), also known as Form B.

The new rules also introduce an age-based biometric system for children: those under three years are exempt from biometric and photographic data; children aged three to ten are now required to provide a photograph and, where available, an iris scan; while those between ten and eighteen must submit full biometric details, including fingerprints, photographs, and iris scans. Each child will receive an individual CRC with a specified validity period.

For the first time, the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has been given legal status. Applicants must now submit a formal undertaking confirming the accuracy of the provided information. FRCs will be issued solely based on NADRA’s database and now categorize families into three distinct types: Alpha (by birth), Beta (by marriage), and Gamma (by adoption).

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The updated FRC system also includes full details of men with multiple marriages, addressing previous concerns of ambiguity. Citizens are now obligated to register unlisted family members and can make corrections via NADRA offices or the mobile app.

In a progressive move, married women now have the choice to display either their father’s or husband’s name on their CNIC, based on personal preference.

To address public grievances regarding document verification and cancellations, NADRA has legally mandated its verification boards at district, regional, and headquarters levels to resolve all such cases within 30 days. These procedures now apply not only to CNICs but also to certificates like FRCs and CRCs.

The reforms also bring technical upgrades to the Teslin CNIC, an affordable identity card option. The revamped card now includes Smart Card security features, QR codes in place of thumbprints, and bilingual information in Urdu and English, easing the passport application process. These upgrades come at no extra cost and will be made widely accessible.

A key feature of the new regulations is the voluntary correction mechanism, enabling citizens to proactively correct identity data for legal protection.

For the first time, the term “biometrics” has been officially defined in the regulatory framework as data derived from physical, physiological, or behavioral traits used for unique identification. Definitions for other critical terms such as confiscation, cancellation, digital marking, intruders, and FRC have also been formalized.

These definitions are now binding on all related institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

NADRA officials said the reforms are expected to enhance transparency, eliminate fraudulent identities, streamline service delivery, and bolster national security. The new identity management system lays the groundwork for a robust and credible digital governance framework in Pakistan.