On the instructions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, NADRA has implemented new CNIC and B-Form rules for 2025 aimed at upgrading Pakistan’s identity documentation framework. A key change is the requirement of mandatory birth registration for obtaining a B-Form, which must be processed through the local Union Council. This measure is part of broader efforts to eliminate false registrations and reinforce child identity protection.
The revised biometric criteria have been structured around defined age groups. Children under the age of three are not required to provide photographs or biometric data. For those aged between three and ten years, submission of a photograph and iris scan is now compulsory. Children from ten to eighteen years must provide a photograph, biometric fingerprints, and iris scan. Each child will be issued a new B-form with a specified validity duration, which will be required for passport applications, although previously issued B-forms will still be recognized as valid for other official uses.
In another significant change, NADRA has granted legal status to the Family Registration Certificate (FRC). All applicants must now submit a declaration confirming the accuracy of their family information. The FRC will also now reflect information on individuals with multiple marriages. Additionally, women are given the option to choose whether to display their father’s name or their husband’s name on their CNIC, providing more flexibility and personal agency in documentation preferences.
NADRA has also committed to resolving all cases related to CNIC confiscation or restoration within a 30-day period. A new chipless ID card has been launched as part of the updated framework. While more affordable than existing smart cards, the new version retains advanced features such as a QR code for verification, along with bilingual content in Urdu and English. This ID card option is expected to facilitate broader accessibility and faster issuance, particularly for citizens in remote or underserved regions.
In Karachi, NADRA has expanded its mobile Biker Service aimed at delivering ID services directly to citizens. According to Director General NADRA Aamir Ali Khan, the city’s mobile service fleet has increased from three to eight units. This expansion is designed to provide quicker and wider coverage across the metropolitan area, reducing the need for individuals to visit NADRA offices in person.
The new CNIC and B-Form regulations are part of NADRA’s continued efforts to modernize the national identity system, reduce fraud, and ensure that accurate and secure identity documentation is available to all citizens. The changes also aim to simplify public interactions with the system while strengthening legal and operational transparency in identity management.
