KARACHI: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced the opening of three new round-the-clock National Registration Centres in Karachi, aiming to improve access to identity services.
These centres will be set up in Malir Cantt, Malir, and Surjani Town, and will offer 24/7 support for CNIC and family registration matters.
During a press briefing at NADRA’s Karachi headquarters, Director and Spokesperson Syed Shabahat Ali unveiled a series of major policy reforms, calling it the most extensive update to the national identity system since 2002.
These changes are designed to block fake entries in family records and respond to growing public concerns about system flaws and limited access.
As per the new policy, child registration certificates (B-Forms) for children over three years will now include a photo and fingerprint data, while those under three will follow a simpler process.
Each child will receive a separate B-Form, and only these new versions will be accepted for passport applications moving forward.
The Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has also been upgraded and will now serve as a valid legal document for inheritance and other legal proceedings.
Citizens can make corrections or updates to their family records using NADRA’s mobile app.
In an effort to promote accountability, people holding fake identity cards are being encouraged to return them voluntarily, without facing immediate legal action.
NADRA also shared that services which were previously available at post offices, though poorly received, have now been moved to 1,200 union councils across the country.
This includes 100 union councils in Sindh and 20 in Karachi, where citizens can now handle CNIC renewals, marital status updates, and card replacements.
Director Shabahat Ali highlighted that the Pak-ID mobile app will continue to charge the same fees as NADRA centres and remains a widely used option among overseas Pakistanis for its ease and reliability.