The National Database and Registration Authority has expanded its service delivery framework by granting additional operational capabilities to 173 e Sahulat franchises in Lahore, in a move aimed at decentralising identity related services and improving public access. The initiative allows commonly used services to be delivered through neighbourhood level outlets, reducing the reliance on centralised registration centres and addressing long standing challenges such as overcrowding and long processing times. The development reflects a broader push toward digitised governance models where technology enabled platforms are used to bring essential services closer to citizens.
Under the expanded scope, these e Sahulat centres will now facilitate a range of key services including the issuance of Child Registration Certificates, commonly known as B Form, for children under the age of ten. In addition, citizens will be able to renew their Computerised National Identity Cards and request duplicate cards in cases of loss or damage. The franchises have also been authorised to process the cancellation of identity cards for deceased individuals, further extending their role in handling routine documentation processes at the local level.
The e Sahulat model, which operates through digitally connected franchise outlets, represents an important layer in Pakistan’s evolving GovTech ecosystem. By integrating biometric verification and central database access into distributed service points, the system reduces the need for physical visits to NADRA mega centres while maintaining data integrity and regulatory compliance. This distributed infrastructure is particularly significant in urban environments where population density places pressure on traditional service channels, making scalable digital alternatives increasingly necessary.
From a technology perspective, the expansion highlights a shift toward platform based public service delivery, where backend digital systems are leveraged to enable front end accessibility through private sector channels. The initiative is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce processing bottlenecks, and improve user experience by minimising wait times. As Pakistan continues to advance its digital governance agenda, such integrations between central databases and decentralised service points are likely to play a key role in modernising citizen services and strengthening the country’s digital public infrastructure.
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