KARACHI — In a landmark move to modernize Pakistan’s identity registration system, NADRA has announced the launch of three new 24/7 National Registration Centres in Karachi. These centres — located in Malir Cantt, Malir, and Surjani Town — aim to make access to identity-related services faster, easier, and more citizen-friendly
The announcement was made during a press briefing at NADRA’s Karachi headquarters by Director and official spokesperson, Syed Shabahat Ali. He described the initiative as part of the most significant overhaul of Pakistan’s registration framework since 2002 — a bold step to fix long-standing issues of inaccessibility, inefficiency, and identity fraud.
What’s New? A System Designed Around the People
One of the headline changes is the long-awaited flexibility for married women: they will now have the choice to keep their father’s name on their CNICs instead of automatically switching to their husband’s name. This move has been widely praised for respecting personal agency and addressing a common grievance.
In another key update, NADRA has introduced a new system for registering children. B-Forms will now include photographs and biometrics for children above the age of three. For those under three, the registration process remains simplified. Every child will receive a separate B-Form — a necessary document that will now be required for passport applications. Older versions will no longer be accepted, ensuring a consistent and modernized format.
FRCs Get Legal Recognition
The Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has also undergone a transformation. It will now be considered a legally valid document for matters such as inheritance, which previously required lengthy legal processes. This change is expected to bring much-needed relief to families dealing with property and succession issues.
To make the system more accessible, NADRA has expanded the functionality of its Pak-ID mobile application, allowing citizens to update or correct their family records digitally. Whether you’re abroad or simply avoiding long queues, this app brings government services to your fingertips — at the same standard fees as NADRA offices.
From Post Offices to Union Councils
Recognizing the poor public response to NADRA counters in post offices, the agency has shifted many of these services to 1,200 union councils across the country. In Sindh alone, 100 union councils — including 20 in Karachi — will now offer services like CNIC renewals, marital status updates, and lost card replacements. This move is expected to drastically cut down waiting times and make services more community-focused.
A Chance for Amnesty
In a rare display of leniency, NADRA is encouraging individuals in possession of fraudulent identity cards to voluntarily surrender them. In return, they will not face immediate legal consequences — a step aimed at cleaning up the database without scaring off those who wish to come clean.
Director Shabahat Ali reiterated NADRA’s commitment to transparency and citizen convenience, noting that overseas Pakistanis in particular have embraced the Pak-ID app for its ease of use.
Final Thoughts
These sweeping changes suggest that NADRA is finally listening — not just to experts, but to the everyday frustrations of ordinary people. With these reforms, the process of proving who you are in Pakistan may just have become a little more dignified, secure, and accessible.
