Govt simplifies birth, death registration laws

Officials say registration period for birth, death has been extended

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Department of Local Government has simplified the laws regarding family records, birth and death certificates, and their registration.

The registration period for birth and death has been extended, and birth registration for children up to seven years of age will now be free—this offer is valid until May 31, 2026.

The authority to handle delayed registrations has been shifted from junior staff to senior officers, including assistant directors.

The requirement of a court decree for late registration has been abolished. Following approval from the law secretary and secretary of local government, the new rules have been officially notified in the Punjab Gazette. According to the notification, birth and death registration will be completely free within the first year. After seven years, a birth registration fee of Rs200 will apply.

For overseas Pakistanis, the fee will be Rs1,000; for foreigners, Rs2,000. The fee for death registration after seven years will be Rs1,000.

Fees for corrections and changes will be Rs500, and duplicate copies will cost Rs200. The fee for computerised copies has been abolished.

The new regulations, effective immediately, aim to make registration processes more accessible and user-friendly.

The updated rules stipulate that registration of children up to one year old will fall under the authority of the relevant union council secretary, while children up to seven years will be under the jurisdiction of the assistant director.

Registrations for those above seven years will be handled by the deputy director. Previously, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) developed a mobile application to facilitate online registration of births, deaths, and changes in marital status.

The app, initially being launched in Punjab, allows citizens to register life events from home.

Biometric verification is being made available at all union councils in the province.