NADRA launches 24/7 registration centres in the city

Married women will now have the choice to retain their father's name on their CNICs

KARACHI:

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced the establishment of three new 24/7 National Registration Centres (Big NRCs) in Karachi, aimed at streamlining identity-related services and enhancing public access. The new centres will be located in Malir Cantt, Malir, and Surjani Town, offering citizens round-the-clock assistance with CNICs and family registration issues.

Speaking at a press briefing at NADRA's Karachi headquarters, Director and Spokesperson Syed Shabahat Ali detailed a series of policy reforms - the most significant overhaul of Pakistan's identity registration system since 2002. The changes are focused on preventing fraudulent entries in official family records and addressing widespread citizen concerns about the system's reliability and accessibility.

Under the revised regulations, child registration certificates (B-Forms) will now require photographs and biometrics for children above three years, while simplified registration remains in place for those under three. Each child will receive a separate B-Form, and these updated forms will be mandatory for passport applications, as older versions will no longer be accepted.

The Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has also been upgraded and will now be recognised as a legally valid document for inheritance claims and other legal matters. Citizens can make corrections or adjustments to their family records using NADRA's mobile application.

In a move to encourage accountability, individuals found in possession of fraudulent identity cards are being urged to voluntarily surrender them without the threat of immediate legal consequences.

NADRA also announced a relocation of services previously offered at post offices - which saw poor public response - to 1,200 union councils nationwide. This includes 100 union councils in Sindh and 20 in Karachi, where services such as CNIC renewals, marital status changes, and lost card replacements will now be available. Director Shabahat Ali emphasised that the Pak-ID mobile application will continue to charge standard fees equal to those at NADRA offices and remains especially popular among overseas Pakistanis for its convenience.