The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a temporary facility allowing certain unregistered women and men in Pakistan to obtain Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) without submitting birth certificates.
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The special arrangement is intended for people who have never obtained identity cards because their births were not formally registered.
According to NADRA, the facility will remain available until December 31, 2026. However, applicants must meet specific age, family verification and biometric requirements.
The authority has announced separate procedures for women aged 18 and above and men over 24 who have never held a CNIC.
CNIC facility for women without birth certificates
Women aged 18 and above who do not have birth certificates can apply for a CNIC under the temporary arrangement by completing alternative verification requirements.
For married women, NADRA has set the following conditions:
- The applicant must have a computerised marriage certificate issued by the relevant Union Council.
- She must visit a NADRA registration centre with her husband and either her father or mother.
- Both the husband and accompanying parent must hold a valid CNIC or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).
- The required individuals must complete biometric verification.
NADRA has also provided an option for applicants whose husbands or parents have passed away.
In such cases, the application may still be accepted if the deceased person’s records are available in NADRA’s database and the applicant provides satisfactory answers to questions asked by registration officials.
Facility for unmarried women
Unmarried women aged 18 and above can also apply for a CNIC without a birth certificate under the temporary arrangement.
The requirement involving a husband does not apply to unmarried applicants. They must still meet NADRA’s applicable family verification and registration requirements.
Men over 24 can also apply without birth certificates
NADRA has introduced a similar facility for men aged over 24 who have never obtained a CNIC.
Applicants must have at least one parent and one sibling whose identity details are already registered in NADRA’s database.
The applicant must visit a NADRA registration centre accompanied by either his father or mother.
If both parents have passed away, the applicant must be accompanied by a brother or sister who holds a valid CNIC or NICOP.
These requirements will help NADRA verify the applicant’s family background and establish identity through existing registration records.
Important warning about CNIC information
NADRA has warned applicants to carefully verify the information they provide during the registration process.
The details submitted will be used to record the applicant’s parents’ information, date of birth and place of birth on the CNIC.
According to the authority, these details cannot be changed at any point in the future.
Applicants should therefore ensure that all information is accurate before completing the registration process.
Last date to apply for CNIC without a birth certificate
The special facility is available until December 31, 2026.
Eligible women and men who have never obtained a CNIC due to the absence of birth certificates can visit a NADRA registration centre and complete the required verification process before the deadline.
The temporary arrangement provides an alternative route for eligible citizens to obtain identity documents, subject to NADRA’s verification and approval.
