ISLAMABAD: Despite achieving 98.3 percent registration of the adult population in the national identity system, around 1.7 percent of adults in Pakistan have yet to obtain their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs), according to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). According to NADRa this gap is more pronounced among females and, for both genders, in certain districts where civil documentation coverage is comparatively weaker. In most such cases, the absence of a Local Government issued computerised birth certificate, the primary feeder document for first-time registration, has been the principal impediment. During the preparation of its Annual Report 2025, NADRA undertook a detailed analysis of registration data for the last ten years in coordination with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the National Commission on the Status of Women, the National Commission for Child Welfare and Development and other stakeholders. The exercise examined demographic trends, district-level variations and gender differentials to identify the causes of the residual gap and formulate corrective measures. Upon presentation of these findings, the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control directed the introduction of a structured and legally grounded facilitation mechanism, which was subsequently approved by the NADRA Authority Board. Accordingly, NADRA has introduced a time-bound facilitation for first-time registration, valid until 31 December 2026. Under this framework, Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) may be issued, subject to strict verification conditions, where the Local Government issued computerised birth certificate is not available. For a married woman aged eighteen years or above, a valid Local Government Nikah Nama, a valid CNIC or NICOP of either parent, a valid CNIC or NICOP of the husband, and biometric verification of one parent and the husband shall be mandatory. For an unmarried female aged eighteen years or above, the husband-related condition shall not apply; however, a valid CNIC or NICOP of either parent and biometric verification of one parent shall be mandatory. For a male applicant above twenty-four years of age, issuance shall be allowed only where either parent holds a valid CNIC or NICOP and at least one sibling also holds a valid CNIC or NICOP, with mandatory biometric verification of one parent. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026