The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) on Thursday advised citizens to renew their identity documents, particularly the Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), before expiry, cautioning that delays could disrupt access to essential services.  The authority said that CNICs and other identity documents are issued for a fixed validity period under Pakistani law, and it is the responsibility of adult citizens to ensure timely renewal.

Expired documents may lead to interruptions in services that rely on identity verification, including banking facilities, mobile SIMs, government assistance programmes, and transactions such as property transfers and vehicle registration.  While Nadra has the legal authority to impose fines for late renewals, it has so far avoided penalties to facilitate the public. However, officials noted a growing trend of non-compliance. 

Data shared by Nadra shows that over 27 million CNICs, more than 2.3 million Overseas Cards, around 11.6 million Child Registration Certificates, and nearly 229,000 Juvenile Cards have expired without renewal. The authority has already issued SMS alerts to affected individuals, including parents of children who have reached the age of 18 but have not yet applied for their CNIC. 

The advisory follows a recent notice issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which directed mobile users to maintain valid identity documents to ensure uninterrupted services. SIM cards registered against expired or deceased individuals’ CNICs may be blocked without prior notice. 

The officials revealed that more than 8 million active SIMs are currently linked to around 4.5 million expired CNICs, while approximately 223,000 identity cards have been expired for over 10 years. Additionally, nearly 1.5 million SIMs are still registered in the Names of deceased individuals, prompting users to transfer ownership to valid CNIC holders. 

Nadra has urged citizens to immediately renew expired documents and ensure that individuals who have turned 18 obtain their CNICs. Services are available at registration centres, through the Pak-ID mobile application, and via Nadra e-Sahulat outlets.  The authority warned that if the situation does not improve, it may introduce additional charges and penalties in the next fiscal year after June for those who fail to renew their identity documents on time.  

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)