NADRA Launches Free CNIC Cancellation System After Death. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new system that allows the cancellation of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) after a person’s death without any fee. This move aims to make the process simpler, faster, and more transparent for citizens while ensuring accuracy in Pakistan’s national database.
New System for CNIC Cancellation
Previously, cancelling a deceased person’s CNIC involved certain charges and manual processes that were often cumbersome for family members. NADRA has now eliminated all fees related to CNIC cancellation after death. This change is part of the ongoing efforts to improve civil registration services and make official processes more citizen-friendly.
A spokesperson from NADRA confirmed that the new initiative is being implemented under the Civil Registration Management System (CRMS). The CRMS is designed to register vital events such as births, marriages, divorces, and deaths efficiently while maintaining accurate national records.
Pilot Project in Punjab
The new system has been launched as a pilot project in three districts of Punjab. Using a mobile application, deaths can now be directly registered with the provincial CRMS. This approach allows family members or authorized personnel to record deaths in real-time without visiting multiple offices.
The pilot aims to test the integration between NADRA and provincial CRMS systems. Once the system is fully functional and tested, it will be expanded nationwide, making CNIC cancellation easier for citizens across Pakistan.
How the System Works
The process is straightforward and efficient:
- Death Registration: The deceased person’s death is registered through the provincial CRMS mobile app or system.
- Data Synchronization: Once the death is registered, the information is automatically shared with NADRA in real-time.
- CNIC Cancellation: Using the Pak ID app, family members can cancel the deceased’s CNIC without paying any fees.
- Biometric Verification: NADRA requires biometric verification from family members visiting offices for other services. This step ensures that the CNIC cancellation is legitimate and records are accurately updated.
This system reduces errors and ensures that the national database reflects real-time changes, especially as many provincial offices are still being equipped with biometric devices.
Benefits of the New System
The free CNIC cancellation system brings several benefits for citizens and the national database:
- No Fees: Family members do not need to pay any charges for cancelling the CNIC of a deceased relative.
- Time-Saving: With mobile registration, the process is faster and reduces the need for multiple office visits.
- Accuracy: Biometric verification ensures records are updated correctly, avoiding mistakes in the national database.
- Transparency: Integration between NADRA and provincial CRMS systems allows real-time tracking of vital events, increasing trust in official records.
- Nationwide Expansion: Once implemented fully, this system will simplify CNIC cancellation across Pakistan.
Role of the Pak ID App
The Pak ID app plays a central role in this new system. It allows family members to cancel a deceased person’s CNIC directly through their mobile devices. This app-based approach eliminates paper-based processes and ensures that all records are updated promptly.
NADRA emphasizes that while the CNIC cancellation can be initiated through the Pak ID app, biometric verification may still be required during visits for other services. This step ensures the legitimacy of the process and prevents fraudulent cancellations.
Enhancing Coordination Between NADRA and Provincial Systems
A key feature of the new initiative is the enhanced coordination between NADRA and provincial CRMS systems. Previously, lack of synchronization sometimes caused delays in updating records.
With the new system:
- Deaths registered at the provincial level are immediately reflected in NADRA records.
- CNIC cancellation can be processed quickly without multiple visits.
- Errors due to manual data entry are minimized, improving the overall quality of the national database.
This integration is a significant step toward a more efficient and transparent civil registration system in Pakistan.
Citizen-Friendly Approach
NADRA officials stated that the main goal of this initiative is to make the CNIC cancellation process easier for citizens. By removing fees, simplifying registration, and allowing mobile-based cancellation, the system significantly reduces the burden on grieving families.
Additionally, the system helps improve record accuracy and ensures that the national database reflects real-time updates, which is crucial for planning, governance, and transparency.
Importance of Accurate CNIC Cancellation
Cancelling the CNIC of a deceased person is essential for several reasons:
- Prevents misuse of identity for illegal purposes.
- Ensures government records are up-to-date.
- Helps family members avoid complications in inheritance or legal matters.
- Supports accurate planning for social programs, health services, and voter records.
With the new mobile-based and fee-free system, NADRA ensures that citizens can handle this important process efficiently and reliably.
Future Plans
The pilot project is expected to expand nationwide in the coming weeks. NADRA plans to equip all provincial offices with biometric devices to support this initiative. Once fully implemented, citizens across Pakistan will benefit from:
- Simplified death registration.
- Quick and free CNIC cancellation.
- Accurate and real-time national database updates.
This initiative reflects NADRA’s commitment to modernizing civil registration and improving services for citizens.
Conclusion
NADRA’s launch of a free CNIC cancellation system after death is a significant step toward improving citizen services and national record accuracy. The system, which integrates provincial CRMS with NADRA databases and uses mobile technology, ensures that family members can cancel CNICs easily without any cost. Biometric verification maintains data integrity, and nationwide expansion will make this service available to all citizens. This initiative is a perfect example of combining technology, efficiency, and transparency to serve the public better.
