The federal cabinet has approved key changes to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules, 2002, aiming to improve security and offer more flexibility in Pakistan’s identity system.
Under the new rules proposed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, married women now have the option to choose whether their CNIC displays their father’s or husband’s name.
Changes have also been made to the Child Registration Certificate (Form B), which now requires birth registration with the Union Council before issuance.
Age-based ID standards will be used to ensure stronger identity verification.
Form B will now come with an expiry date to help keep identity data current. Authorities confirmed that existing certificates remain valid unless needed for passports, and the fee structure remains unchanged.
The government has warned against spreading incorrect information and may take legal action in such cases. Families will be able to register missing members through a verification and correction process.
These updates are being hailed as a major step toward a safer, more accurate, and more inclusive national ID system.