Nadra amends registration rules to guard against fraud

ISLAMABAD: Following the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has made significant amendments to the National Identity Card Rules 2002.

The reforms aim to bolster the security of Pakistan’s identification system and curb fraudulent activities, including child trafficking.

The reform draft has received the federal cabinet’s approval, and the Nadra has issued an official notification.

Under the new regulations, obtaining a B-Form will now require mandatory registration of birth with the Union Council. While children under three years of age will not need biometric data or photographs, children between the ages of three and 10 will now be required to have a photo and an iris scan for their B-Form. For those aged ten to eighteen, a photo, biometric data, and an iris scan will all be mandatory.

A notable change is the issuance of a separate B-Form for each child, which will now also carry an expiry date. Although the existing B-Forms will remain valid, a new B-Form will be a prerequisite for passport applications. The Nadra asserts that these measures are crucial in preventing fake registrations and effectively combating child trafficking.

Furthermore, the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has been elevated to the status of a legal document. The applicants will now be required to sign a declaration affirming the accuracy of the information provided, and FRCs can only be obtained based on the Nadra’s official records.

The citizens are also mandated to register any family members not yet listed in the system, with updates possible via the Nadra mobile app or by visiting a Nadra office. Men with multiple marriages will be required to provide complete details for each family under the FRC. In a move addressing gender preferences, women will now have the option to display either their father’s or husband’s name on their national ID card. Decisions regarding the confiscation, cancellation, or restoration of ID cards will be finalized within 30 days. To enhance service delivery, non-chip cards will now incorporate most features of smart cards, including bilingual (Urdu and English) details and a QR code, with no additional fees for this upgrade. Additionally, individuals who voluntarily report false information previously used in card issuance will be granted legal protection.