Islamabad, June 20, 2025 – In a landmark move to modernize its identity management infrastructure, Pakistan has officially enforced new rules governing the issuance and regulation of the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), aimed at ensuring enhanced transparency, security, and efficiency across the national database.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), under the directives of Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi, has implemented significant amendments to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules, 2002. These new regulations align Pakistan’s identity system with international best practices while addressing longstanding loopholes exploited for fraudulent purposes.
The revised CNIC rules introduce a structured and age-appropriate approach to child registration. Birth registration with the Union Council is now mandatory before a Child Registration Certificate (CRC/Form B) is issued. Children under three years are exempt from biometric data, while those aged three to ten must provide a photograph and, if available, an iris scan. From ages ten to eighteen, full biometric data—including fingerprints, photos, and iris scans—are required. These changes bolster the integrity of child identity records and aim to prevent illegal registrations and child trafficking in Pakistan.
In another major step, the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) now holds legal status. It must be based solely on NADRA records, and applicants are required to submit a formal declaration of accuracy. The FRC categorizes families into three types: Alpha (by birth), Beta (by marriage), and Gamma (by adoption). Unlisted members must be registered, and corrections or deletions can be processed via the NADRA app or offices. Crucially, the new system reflects accurate family structures, including men with multiple marriages. Married women now have the autonomy to choose between displaying their father’s or husband’s name on their CNIC, reflecting a progressive shift in identity personalization in Pakistan.
The reforms also streamline identity dispute resolutions. All verification boards—district, regional, and headquarters—are now required by law to resolve CNIC-related cases within 30 days. This legal time frame now also applies to certificates like the FRC and CRC.
Teslin-based CNICs, a cost-effective option for many Pakistanis, have also been upgraded to include Smart Card-level security features, bilingual text in Urdu and English, and QR codes replacing thumb impressions—offering enhanced privacy and functionality without additional fees.
Furthermore, the amendments officially define key identity terms such as “biometrics,” establishing a standard across regulatory institutions including the State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. This cohesive regulatory language is expected to significantly strengthen Pakistan’s identity infrastructure.
Overall, these transformative reforms place Pakistan’s CNIC system on a modern, secure, and transparent footing—crucial for digital governance, national security, and citizen trust.