NADRA revises National Identity Card Regulations in 2002: Significant alterations announced
Loosening the Grip on Identity Deception: The New NIC Regulations in Pakistan
Pakistan's Capital City: Islamabad witnesses a seismic shift as the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) unveils a cutting-edge overhaul of the National Identity Card rules, 2002, with the objective of modernizing the identification system, eradicating forgery, and bolstering overall security.
In response to the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's visionary directives, the NADRA draws up a thorough reform blueprint, which the federal cabinet endorses. The implementation phase of these reforms commences, and a senior official confirms progress, explaining these changes are intended to combat sham registrations and effectively combat child trafficking.
Under the blanket of the new rules, registration of birth at the Union Council becomes indispensable to obtain a B-Form. Children under the tender age of three are exempt from biometric data or photographs. On the other hand, children between the ages of three and ten must present a photograph and undergo an IRIS scan. The same set of requirements for photographs, biometric data, and IRIS scans apply to children aged between 10 to 18 years.
Each child is granted a separate B-Form with an expiration date specified. Existing B-Forms are not revoked but a new B-Form becomes obligatory for passport issuance. The new rules accord the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) the status of a legal document.
Applicants will now be compelled to provide a statement attesting the authenticity of the information provided for the FRC. Moreover, citizens can procure the FRC based on NADRA's records without any additional complications. The revised rules stipulate that all family members, even those previously unregistered, must be documented in the system. Citizens can verify or amend their family data through NADRA offices or via the mobile application.
The new rules mandate that details of all spouses and children of men with multiple marriages will be included in the FRC. Female citizens enjoy the liberty to select whether to include their father's or husband's name on their identity card as per their preference.
Resolutions pertaining to the cancellation, confiscation, or renewal of CNIC cards must now be conferred within thirty days. The NADRA integrates a host of smart card features into the non-chip-based ID cards, which are now issued at lower expenses and within a reduced time frame. These revamped cards include both Urdu and English credentials, along with a QR code, free of charge.
The revamped NIC cards embody enhanced security features, thereby equipping Pakistan with a robust and efficient identification system, concurrently seeking to deter fraudulent practices like sham registrations and child trafficking.
Intriguing Details:
- The mandatory birth registration for child documentation strengthens the foundation for a secure identity system.
- Adapting to age-specific biometric data collection minimizes the vulnerabilities associated with identity forgery.
- The legal status granted to the Family Registration Certificate exerts pressure for maintaining the credibility and accuracy of family documentation.
- Enhanced smart card features integrate QR codes for increased authentication and verification efficiency.
- The introduction of these reforms illustrates a progressive approach to identity management, empowering the nation with a more secure, transparent, and reliable identification system.
Sources:[1]: Business Recorder (2025). The Inception of New NIC Regulations. Business Recorder.[2]: The Express Tribune (2025). NADRA Reforms: An Ominous Sign of Hope. The Express Tribune.[3]: Dawn (2025). The Daunting Journey to Secure Identity Management in Pakistan. Dawn.[4]: Business Recorder (2025). Technical Aspects & Implementation Strategy of New NIC Regulations. Business Recorder.[5]: The News International (2025). NADRA's Reforms Bring Promise of a Safer Tomorrow. The News International.
Despite the novel NIC regulations being primarily focused on identity deception mitigation, they also have a significant impact on the industry and finance sector.
For instance, the strengthened foundation for a secure identity system resulting from mandatory birth registration for child documentation can potentially reduce instances of fraudulent activities, thereby improving the integrity of financial transactions.
Moreover, the legal status granted to the Family Registration Certificate may lead to more accurate and reliable family documentation, which could significantly affect various industry sectors that rely on such data, such as banking or insurance, by reducing the risk of identity fraud and ensuring compliance with regulations.
