The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued an important clarification regarding the cancellation of identity cards of deceased citizens.
According to the authority, a citizen’s identity card is not automatically cancelled after a death certificate is issued by the Union Council (UC). Instead, the relevant identity card is temporarily deactivated. A separate procedure must be completed for its permanent cancellation.
NADRA spokesperson Syed Shabahat Ali discussed the matter in detail during a podcast. He was asked whether NADRA automatically cancels a citizen’s identity card after a death certificate is issued by the Union Council. In response, he explained that the process of recording a person’s death in the records of the Union Council and NADRA is separate. Although the two institutions exchange information, this does not mean that an identity card is immediately and permanently cancelled.
According to the spokesperson, when a citizen’s death is registered in the official records of the Union Council, the information is also communicated to NADRA. Based on this information, the identity card of the deceased citizen is temporarily deactivated. The purpose of this measure is to prevent the identity card of a deceased person from being used further. However, family members must complete the relevant procedure for the formal cancellation of the identity card.
NADRA officials say that the deceased citizen’s family members or close relatives can submit an application to have their identity card cancelled. For this purpose, they must visit the relevant NADRA office. After the application is submitted, the necessary verification procedures are carried out.
According to the authority, biometric verification of the person applying for the cancellation of the identity card is also conducted. The purpose of this process is to verify the applicant’s identity and their family relationship with the deceased citizen. NADRA also checks whether the applicant is part of the deceased person’s family tree and family record.
Following this clarification, it is important for citizens to understand that obtaining a death certificate from the Union Council and getting an identity card cancelled by NADRA are two separate procedures. The issuance of a death certificate alone does not result in the permanent cancellation of an identity card.
Therefore, the families of deceased individuals should contact NADRA to have their identity cards formally cancelled and complete the application according to the prescribed procedure. This will help keep official records accurate and prevent any inconvenience in the future.
