On the instructions of Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has implemented major changes to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules, 2002.
Originally introduced in 2002, the NIC rules have now been updated to reflect today’s needs. A revised draft prepared by NADRA was approved by the Federal Cabinet and has officially come into effect.
One of the major changes is the requirement for children’s births to be registered with the Union Council before they can receive a Child Registration Certificate (CRC or Form B).
Under the new system, biometric data and photographs are no longer required for children under three. However, children between three and ten years must now provide a photo and, if possible, an iris scan.
For those aged ten to eighteen, full biometric data, including fingerprints, iris scans, and photos, is now compulsory. Each child will receive an individual CRC with a set validity period, helping curb illegal registrations and child trafficking.
The Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has been given legal recognition for the first time. Applicants are now required to submit a signed declaration verifying the accuracy of the information they provide.
FRCs will now be issued strictly based on NADRA’s database, with family types divided into Alpha (by birth), Beta (by marriage), and Gamma (by adoption).
People must register any missing family members and can make corrections either via the NADRA mobile app or at their nearest office.
A key change is the inclusion of full details for men with more than one marriage, a step taken to reduce confusion.
Married women now have the choice of listing either their father’s or husband’s name on their ID card, depending on their personal preference.
NADRA has also simplified the process of verifying, cancelling, or confiscating ID documents.
Legal timelines have been introduced, requiring verification boards at district, regional, and head office levels to resolve these cases within 30 days. This process will now also apply to certificates like CRCs and FRCs.
Another highlight is the improved Teslin ID card, which remains a budget-friendly option but now comes with updated security features similar to the Smart Card.
It includes bilingual (Urdu and English) information to simplify passport applications and has replaced thumbprints with QR codes for better security, without adding any extra charges. These cards will still be issued quickly and at a lower cost.
Citizens who discover mistakes in their identity records can now report and fix them voluntarily, gaining legal protection in the process.
To remove confusion and increase transparency, the revised rules also include official definitions for terms like “biometrics,” which now refers to personal data from physical or behavioural features (like facial images or fingerprints) used to identify individuals.
This new definition must now be adopted by all relevant government agencies, including the State Bank, FBR, and PTA. Other terms like confiscation, digital marking, intruders, and cancellation have also been clarified.
These sweeping changes are designed to modernize and secure Pakistan’s identity system, improve services, prevent misuse of identity records, and build a stronger, more reliable foundation for digital governance.