CNIC to get special logo for organ donors

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a national initiative to promote organ donation, including a new feature that places a special logo for voluntary donors on National Identity Cards.

The programme, revealed on International Identity Day, aims to encourage citizens to register as organ donors and save lives.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that organ donation is a "profound act of kindness" that offers hope to those in critical need of transplants.

"I encourage all citizens to become part of this life-saving community," he said, noting that the initiative would recognise donors with an exclusive symbol on their ID cards.

The prime minister highlighted the importance of identity in ensuring access to essential services, stating that it is "a cornerstone of inclusion, representation, and participation in civic life."

He called for collective efforts to foster a culture of awareness and understanding of identity issues.

Shehbaz Sharif also stressed the need to address gaps in the national registration and biometric systems, advocating for the integration of digital solutions to improve access and enhance the accuracy of identity verification.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to policies that promote transparency and accountability, strengthening trust and democratic participation.

As Pakistan moves forward with these initiatives, the prime minister urged citizens, civil society, and institutions to work together towards a more inclusive society where every individual's rights are respected.

Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously passed the Human Organ and Tissue Transfer Amendment Bill, 2021 under which organ donors will be written on the Computerised National Identity Card at the time of its issuance by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

The bill was approved unopposed during a meeting, headed by Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, in light of the recommendations of the standing committee. Senator Sami Yazdi had moved the bill.

The Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senators, including Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, supported the bill, which was unanimously approved by the Senate chairman.

Under the bill, organ donor will be written on the CNIC at the time of issuance by NADRA.

“Organ and tissue donors will be written in red on the ID card with the consent of the donor.”