ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has completed a large-scale verification exercise to enhance the accuracy and reliability of Pakistan’s national identity records, resulting in the cancellation of approximately 4.2 million Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs).
The exercise involved reconciling civil registration records with the National Citizen Database, identifying CNICs that remained active despite the registered deaths of their holders. Officials explained that many of these identity cards had not been updated because families had not informed NADRA of the deaths.
Under the provisions of the NADRA Ordinance and National Identity Card Rules, the authority carried out the cancellations to correct discrepancies in the national population database. Officials noted that failing to deactivate CNICs of deceased individuals can distort demographic statistics and, in some cases, may be exploited for fraudulent purposes.
Following NADRA’s awareness campaigns, families of around 3 million deceased persons have now approached the authority to formally cancel their CNICs. Citizens whose CNICs are wrongly cancelled are advised to verify records at the relevant Union Council and update NADRA’s database accordingly.
In a related development, NADRA reported that the births of roughly 14 million children have been recorded with Union Councils but are yet to be added to the national database. The authority has started sending SMS reminders to parents and guardians, urging them to obtain B-Forms (Child Registration Certificates) to ensure their children are officially registered.
NADRA emphasized that timely registration of births and deaths is essential for maintaining accurate population data and facilitating citizens’ access to government services.
