The Punjab government has introduced biometric verification for the registration and issuance of birth, death and marriage certificates at union councils, aiming to prevent fraudulent registrations and improve transparency in public services. The system, known as the Civil Registration Management System (CRMS), was inaugurated by Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique in Sheikhupura on Friday. Developed in collaboration with the Punjab Local Government Department and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the system requires applicants to undergo biometric verification against NADRA’s database before certificates can be issued.
The initiative is part of the provincial government’s “Digital Punjab, Transparent Punjab” programme, which focuses on using technology to improve public administration and the delivery of government services. By linking civil registration procedures with biometric identity checks, authorities aim to reduce the risk of fake documents entering official records. Birth, death and marriage certificates are important legal documents used for identity registration, family records, inheritance claims and other administrative processes. Ensuring that these records are based on verified identities can help improve the reliability of civil documentation and reduce opportunities for misuse.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Sheikhupura, Rafique said the system was intended to make public services more transparent and accessible while preventing the issuance of fraudulent certificates. He added that the system would be rolled out in phases across union councils throughout Punjab. According to the minister, the initiative is intended to help citizens obtain authentic documents without having to rely on personal recommendations or pay bribes. The launch brought together officials from the provincial Local Government Department, NADRA and the district administration, reflecting the role of coordination between government institutions in implementing digital public services.
The introduction of biometric checks marks another step in the use of digital identity systems for government administration in Pakistan. For the system to deliver its intended benefits, implementation will depend on reliable biometric equipment, accurate database matching, trained staff and accessible procedures for citizens whose fingerprints cannot be verified successfully. Clear processes for resolving verification failures will also be important to ensure that legitimate applicants are not unnecessarily delayed. As the CRMS expands to more union councils, its effectiveness will depend on consistent implementation and the ability of local offices to handle applications efficiently. The provincial government has announced a phased rollout, but a final completion date and detailed implementation schedule have not been specified.
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