The National Database and Registration Authority has removed 4.2 million Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) from its database after confirming that the cardholders had passed away, officials said.
In a statement, a Nadra spokesperson said the step was taken as part of ongoing efforts to update and clean the national registration system.
According to the authority, many families had already registered the deaths of their relatives in provincial civil registration systems but had not formally applied for the cancellation of their CNICs.
Nadra added that awareness campaigns and system updates encouraged families to voluntarily cancel around 3 million CNICs of deceased individuals.
The authority also advised that if a CNIC has been cancelled by mistake, the affected person should contact Nadra or the relevant Union Council to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, Nadra pointed out a gap in the registration of children’s records. While around 14 million births have been registered at Union Councils, the information has not yet been fully updated in the Nadra database.
To address the issue, Nadra said it is sending SMS reminders to parents and guardians urging them to obtain Form-B (Child Registration Certificate) for their children.
NADRA identifies 2,139 Afghan nationals with cancelled CNICs
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) yesterday handed over a list of 2,139 Afghan nationals whose Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) have been cancelled to the Punjab government after verifying official records.
The move is part of the government’s ongoing campaign to repatriate illegal foreign nationals.
The sources revealed that action followed a review of NADRA’s national database, after which the records were shared with the Punjab authorities for further legal and administrative steps.
Repatriation process faces challenges due to closure of Torkham Border crossing
Meanwhile, the repatriation process has faced logistical challenges due to the closure of the Torkham Border Crossing. Authorities have therefore decided to use an alternative route for deportations.
Afghan nationals identified during the verification process have been shifted to jails and designated holding centres while arrangements are being finalised for their return to Afghanistan.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Qazi said that the repatriation process will begin once security arrangements for transporting Afghan nationals from Punjab to the border are completed.
Details of Afghan nations send to Punjab Home Department
According to government officials, the details of these Afghan nationals were sent to the Punjab Home Secretary through an official letter issued by NADRA’s regional headquarters in Lahore.
After conducting a comprehensive screening of NADRA’s national database, the records of 2,139 individuals were compiled and provided to the Punjab Home Department.
Confirming the development, Dr Ahmed Qazi said that the Afghan nationals identified during the verification process are currently either in jails or in holding centres established for undocumented foreigners.
Previously, Afghan nationals from Punjab were transported via the Jafarabad district of Sindh to the city of Chaman in Balochistan before being repatriated.
Also read: NADRA shares simple way to reissue lost or expired NICOP
