The Punjab government has approved significant reforms in the procedure and fee structure for obtaining domicile certificates, aiming to streamline and modernise the system.
According to the approval granted in a recent cabinet meeting, the entire domicile issuance process will be digitised to enhance efficiency and reduce delays. The revised system is part of broader efforts to simplify public service delivery across the province.
The cabinet meeting has formally approved the simplification of the domicile issuance procedure, along with revisions to the fee structure. The entire process will now be digitised.
It has been approved to set the total fee for a domicile at Rs 550, which includes a Rs 200 domicile fee, Rs 300 e-stamp fee, and Rs. 50 PITB service charges. All payments will be made digitally through the ePay Punjab mobile app.
Home delivery of the domicile certificate via courier has also been included in the system. In the near future, these services will also be available through the “Dastak App.”
On the other hand, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has warned citizens about late fees and heavy fines after June.
According to details, NADRA has urged citizens to immediately renew their expired Smart National Identity Cards (CNICs), warning that failure to do so may result in late fees and heavy penalties after June. The authority stated that under the law, fines on late renewal after card expiry can be imposed; however, this practice is currently not being enforced in the interest of public convenience. It added that enforcement will begin after June.
NADRA further revealed that currently, around 27.4 million identity cards, along with millions of other documents such as overseas cards and children’s certificates, have expired across the country.
The announcement also clarified that failure to renew CNICs on time may lead to the suspension of bank accounts, mobile SIMs, and other verification services. It may also result in loss of access to the Benazir Income Support Programme, government subsidies (such as fuel subsidies), and serious difficulties in property and vehicle transfers.
Read more: Pakistan Navy conducts successful rescue mission, saves 18 crew members
