Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority has warned citizens that failure to renew expired Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) could lead to disruptions in essential services, including banking, mobile connectivity and access to government programs.
In a statement issued on Friday, the authority said identity documents are issued for a limited period and it is the responsibility of every adult citizen to ensure timely renewal before expiry.
“Failing to renew CNICs on time may result in suspension or disruption of services linked to identity verification, including bank accounts and mobile SIMs,” NADRA said.
The warning comes amid a growing number of expired documents across the country. According to official data, more than 27.4 million CNICs, 2.3 million overseas identity cards, 11.65 million child registration certificates and around 229,000 juvenile cards have already expired.
NADRA said expired identity documents could also prevent citizens from accessing welfare initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Program and other government subsidy schemes, including recently introduced fuel relief measures. In addition, routine transactions such as property transfers and vehicle registration may be affected.
The authority noted that while it has the legal authority to impose penalties or additional fees for delayed renewals, such measures have not yet been implemented. However, it warned that penalties could be introduced in the next fiscal year if renewal trends do not improve.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has also issued an advisory requiring mobile users to maintain valid CNICs for uninterrupted service. SIM cards registered against expired or deceased individuals risk being blocked.
Officials said more than 8.1 million SIMs are currently active against approximately 4.5 million CNICs that require renewal, including over 223,000 identity cards that have remained expired for more than a decade.
NADRA said it has sent reminder messages via SMS to affected citizens, including parents whose children have reached the age of 18 but have yet to obtain their first CNIC.
The authority urged citizens to renew expired documents promptly and ensure that SIMs registered in the name of deceased relatives are transferred to valid identity holders to avoid service disruptions.
It added that timely compliance would help prevent inconvenience and ensure continued access to essential services and government support programs.