ISLAMABAD: On the instructions of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has made major changes to the National Identity Card Rules 2002 to strengthen the country’s identification system and stop misuse, including child trafficking.
According to the details, the federal cabinet has approved the reform draft, and NADRA has issued a formal notification.
Under the new rules, it is now mandatory to register a child’s birth with the Union Council before applying for a B-Form. Children under the age of three will not need a photo or biometric data.
However, children between three and 10 years must provide a photo and iris scan. Those aged 10 to 18 will be required to provide a photo, fingerprint biometrics, and an iris scan.
Each child will now be issued a separate B-Form with an expiry date. Although old B-Forms will still be valid, a new B-Form will be necessary for applying for a passport. NADRA says these steps are important to stop fake registrations and child trafficking.
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The Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has now been declared a legal document. Applicants will have to sign a declaration confirming the accuracy of the given information. FRCs will only be issued based on NADRA’s official records.
Citizens must also register any unlisted family members. Updates can be made through the NADRA mobile app or by visiting a NADRA center. Men with more than one marriage will need to provide full details of each family when applying for the FRC.
In a step toward gender inclusion, women can now choose to display either their father’s or husband’s name on their CNIC.
All decisions related to cancellation, restoration, or confiscation of CNICs will be made within 30 days. Non-chip CNICs will now include features of smart cards such as Urdu and English details and a QR code, without any extra charges.
People who willingly report any false information previously used to get a CNIC will be given legal protection.
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