Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a temporary facility for married women aged 18 and above. Under this facility, eligible women can apply for their first Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) even without a computerized birth certificate.
The facility will remain available until December 31, 2026. Applicants must still meet NADRA’s verification requirements. The measure was introduced to help adults who face difficulties obtaining a first-time CNIC because they do not have a computerized birth certificate.
Documents Required for Married Women
Married women applying for their first CNIC must provide a valid Local Government-issued Nikah Nama. They also need a valid CNIC or NICOP of either their father or mother.
In addition, the applicant must provide her husband’s valid CNIC or NICOP. NADRA requires biometric verification from one parent and the husband as part of the process.
The computerized Nikah Nama is being accepted as part of the alternative verification process. This allows eligible married women to establish their identity when they do not have the usual computerized birth certificate.
However, the facility does not replace NADRA’s standard CNIC registration process. It only applies to eligible first-time applicants who meet the authority’s conditions.
Facility Also Available for Other Applicants
The temporary arrangement also covers some unmarried women aged 18 and above who do not have a computerized birth certificate. They must provide the valid CNIC or NICOP of either parent and complete biometric verification of one parent.
Men above the age of 24 may also qualify under the facility. They must have a parent and at least one sibling with a valid CNIC or NICOP. Biometric verification of a parent is also required.
If a parent or husband has died but their identity records are available in NADRA’s database, an authorised officer may allow an exemption from biometric verification. This decision depends on the required record checks.
CNIC Facility Available Until December 2026
NADRA has confirmed that the special CNIC facility is temporary and will remain available until December 31, 2026.
The authority introduced the measure after reviewing adult registration data. NADRA said around 98.3% of Pakistan’s adult population was already registered, while registration gaps remained more noticeable among women and in areas with weaker civil-registration coverage.
Applicants are also required to provide accurate personal information. NADRA has stated that details such as parentage, date of birth and place of birth entered into the National Identity System under this process cannot later be changed.
Eligible applicants can visit their nearest NADRA Registration Centre to apply under the temporary facility.
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