National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced extended operating hours at its Shahrah-e-Quaideen Registration Center in Karachi, aiming to improve service accessibility and provide citizens with greater flexibility when accessing identity-related services. Starting December 22, the center will operate in two distinct shifts, with the morning shift running from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and the evening shift continuing from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, keeping the facility open for a total of 14 hours daily. Officials said that this initiative is intended to address long-standing challenges associated with overcrowding and delays, while enabling citizens who have professional or personal commitments to access NADRA services at times convenient for them.
According to NADRA representatives, the decision to implement extended hours is part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery across urban centers in Pakistan. Shahrah-e-Quaideen Registration Center serves a significant number of residents in Karachi, and prolonged operating hours are expected to reduce congestion, optimize the workflow, and improve the overall efficiency of identity-related procedures. The initiative reflects NADRA’s ongoing focus on streamlining registration processes, ensuring timely issuance of national identity cards, and accommodating the growing demand for citizen services in a major metropolitan hub.
Officials noted that the extended timings will not only benefit individuals with tight schedules but also support family and senior citizen access, enabling them to complete registration or update processes without facing long waiting times. By offering flexible operating hours, NADRA aims to create a more inclusive environment, where residents can engage with government services at their convenience while maintaining social distancing measures and minimizing overcrowding within registration facilities. Authorities highlighted that similar measures may be considered at other high-traffic registration centers in the future to enhance service accessibility across the country.
In addition to the operational adjustments, NADRA has emphasized its commitment to integrating technology and digital solutions into its service delivery framework. Extended operating hours are complemented by online appointment systems and digital verification mechanisms, which facilitate smoother registration and reduce manual processing requirements. These enhancements align with broader government efforts to digitize public services, improve citizen experience, and ensure that identity management systems operate efficiently while meeting increasing demand. NADRA officials stated that continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms will be used to evaluate the impact of extended hours, with the aim of further optimizing service delivery and supporting Karachi residents in accessing essential identity-related services with minimal delays.
The initiative demonstrates NADRA’s proactive approach to addressing operational challenges and emphasizes the role of flexible service models in urban public service management. By combining extended hours with digital tools and process improvements, the organization is taking steps to enhance accessibility, reduce wait times, and ensure timely service for citizens across all demographics. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these extended hours to complete their identity registration and verification requirements in a more convenient and efficient manner, marking a significant step forward in improving public access to government services in Pakistan’s largest city.
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