KARACHI:
This refers to the letter by Syed Zakirullah Tahami published in your newspaper on 30 October 2026. NADRA thanks the writer for raising an issue that deserves attention. Low birth registration, especially in rural Sindh, is a real problem, and young adults later pay its cost.
Pakistan’s registration system has two parts. Civil registration, including the recording of births, is a provincial function carried out through local government offices such as municipal committees, village councils and union councils. Identity registration, through the Child Registration Certificate and CNIC, is a federal function performed by NADRA. NADRA relies on provincial birth records to determine a person’s age. When a birth is not recorded by the parents at the local government office, the citizen faces difficulties in identity registration with NADRA years later.
Every person applying for a CNIC for the first time is legally required to meet certain requirements. At least one parent must be a Pakistani citizen with due registration records. A birth certificate issued by the provincial local government office is also required, and late birth registration is allowed at any age. NADRA staff are bound to give a written reason to any citizen who cannot be facilitated.
NADRA has given special exemptions, until 31 December 2026, to citizens who could not register in time in the provincial registration system.
We agree with the writer that awareness matters, and NADRA does undertake earnest efforts. NADRA is also working closely with provincial governments to improve birth registration. Anyone facing difficulty may contact the NADRA helpline at 051 111 786 100.
Syed Shabahat Ali
NADRA, Islamabad
