After turning 18, biometric verification by a parent is generally considered important for obtaining a first Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
However, if a young person’s parents are not available, this does not mean that the CNIC application process has to stop. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued an important clarification regarding verification through an eligible brother in such circumstances.
The clarification is particularly important for families where a young person has reached the age of 18 but, for any reason, neither the father nor the mother is available when applying for the first CNIC.
What happens if the parents are unavailable?
NADRA spokesperson Syed Shabahat Ali, while responding to a citizen’s question during a podcast, said the preferred procedure for obtaining a first CNIC is for either the applicant’s father or mother to be present to verify the application.
However, the absence of parents does not completely prevent the applicant from obtaining a CNIC. Subject to certain conditions, an eligible brother can also assist with the verification process.
When can a brother provide verification?
According to NADRA, if the applicant’s brother is already listed in the parents’ Family Tree and the young applicant’s B-Form is also recorded in the Family Tree, the brother can accompany the applicant and verify the application.
This means that simply being the applicant’s brother is not enough. The family relationship must also be recorded in NADRA’s official records. The procedure is intended to ensure that the applicant’s identity and family details match the information available in NADRA’s database.
B-Form is also important
NADRA has also clarified that if the young person already has a B-Form, an application for the first CNIC can also be submitted through the PakID application.
In such cases, citizens are advised to review their family information available in NADRA’s records before submitting the application.
If the information on the B-Form and Family Tree is accurate and complete, applicants can avoid unnecessary difficulties during the application process.
Important clarification for citizens
NADRA’s clarification makes it clear that the absence of parents does not make it impossible for an 18-year-old to obtain a first CNIC.
If the relevant family record is available with NADRA and the required conditions are met, a brother listed in the Family Tree can play a role in the verification process.
Citizens are also advised to ensure that the information on their B-Form and Family Tree is accurate before applying. This can help reduce potential obstacles in obtaining the identity document.