In a statement, the authority said while Pakistan has achieved approximately 98.3 per cent adult registration in the national identity system, a residual gap of nearly 1.7 per cent remains. It said the gap was more pronounced among females and, for both genders, in certain districts where civil documentation coverage is comparatively weak.
In most such cases, the absence of a Local Governmentissued computerised birth certificate, the primary feeder document for first-time registration, has been the principal impediment.
“During the preparation of its Annual Report 2025, NADRA conducted a detailed analysis of registration data from the past ten years in coordination with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the Election Commission of Pakistan, the National Commission on the Status of Women, the National Commission for Child Welfare and Development and other stakeholders,” the statement read.
The exercise examined demographic trends, district-level variations and gender differentials to identify the causes of the residual gap and formulate corrective measures.
Upon presentation of the findings, the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control directed the introduction of a structured and legally grounded facilitation mechanism, which was subsequently approved by the NADRA Authority Board, the communiqué stated.
“Accordingly, NADRA has introduced a time-bound facilitation for first-time registration, valid until December 31, 2026. Under this framework, Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) may be issued — subject to strict verification conditions — where a Local Governmentissued computerised birth certificate is not available.”
CNIC issuance under this framework will be allowed only where identity is established through NADRA’s existing records and mandatory biometric verification of already registered immediate family members.
For a married woman aged 18 years or above, a valid Local Government Nikah Nama, a valid CNIC or NICOP of either parent, a valid CNIC or NICOP of the husband, and biometric verification of one parent and the husband will be mandatory.
For an unmarried female aged 18 years or above, the husband-related condition will not apply. However, a valid CNIC or NICOP of either parent and biometric verification of one parent will be mandatory.
For a male applicant above 24 years of age, issuance will be allowed only where either parent holds a valid CNIC or NICOP and at least one sibling also holds a valid CNIC or NICOP, along with mandatory biometric verification of one parent.