Implementation of free birth, death registration across Rawalpindi ordered

Rawalpindi:Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Engineer Aamir Khattak, has directed Director Local Government Syed Sibtain Kazmi to ensure the immediate implementation of free birth and death registration, in line with the directive issued by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Terming the initiative a significant step towards public welfare, the Commissioner stressed the need for swift and effective execution across all Union Councils and Municipal Committees within the division. “This move is aimed at providing timely relief to citizens and safeguarding children's rights, ensuring that every individual receives registration services in a respectful and efficient manner,” he said.

A high-level meeting held at the Commissioner’s Office in Rawalpindi was attended by Director Local Government Syed Sibtain Kazmi, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, Additional Commissioner Coordination, and officers from the Municipal Committees.

During the meeting, Director Local Government Kazmi briefed attendees on the progress of implementation. He stated that awareness banners have already been displayed at all relevant offices to inform the public. He further shared that, as per the notification issued by the Local Government Department, the new registration fee structure has been in effect since April 21, 2025.

According to the revised policy, no fee will be charged for timely registration of births or deaths, a late registration fee (after 7 years) ranges from Rs200 to Rs1,000 for Pakistani citizens, Pakistani citizens residing abroad will be required to pay Rs1,000, while the birth registration fee for foreign nationals is set at Rs. 2,000, a correction or change in registration details will incur a fee of Rs500, and the issuance of a duplicate certificate will cost Rs200 and the requirement of a court decree for delayed registrations has been abolished.

The new rules also redefine the registration authority based on the child's age, births registered within one year will be handled by the Secretary of the concerned Union Council, registrations for children up to 7 years of age will fall under the Assistant Director, for individuals over 7 years, the Deputy Director will be the competent authority.

In cases of registrations delayed by more than 7 years, a newspaper advertisement will be mandatory in addition to the applicable fee. This initiative is expected to streamline civil registration services, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance access to vital records for all segments of society.