Election Day: Expired CNIC holders would be allowed to vote

The process of issuing new NICs and Smart Card expedited.

KARACHI: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Tariq Malik on Wednesday issued directives on Wednesday to facilitate those voters whose applications for expired or lost National Identity Cards (NIC) are still being processed. 

The NADRA Chairman to expedite the renewal process regardless of whether they have been applied for under the normal or urgent category.

He urged the people to collect their CNICs from NADRA offices given that presenting the identification card was mandatory to cast a vote on May 11.

In a bid to facilitate those who are waiting for their modified or renewed NICs, will still be able cast a vote using their existing CNIC or NICOP as per an amendment in the law (section 6, sub-section 2 Clause B which states eligibility criteria for a voter). NADRA is not confiscating expired CNICs of applicants, Malik said.

NADRA has also developed the Short Messaging Service Software for the Election Commission Pakistan by mapping 86.1 million voters with their respective polling station.

"People have now no reason not to vote on Election Day," said Malik.

Over 32 million people have verified their polling station and vote registration details through the SMS service, he said.

Details such as vote numbers, serial numbers and polling stations can be ascertained by messaging your CNIC number to 8300.