ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued new instructions for citizens regarding the identity card.
According to the new instructions, signing has been made optional when submitting an application for an identity card for the first time. If the applicant does not want to sign, then “NA” will be entered in place of the signature on the identity card.
According to the officials, the thumbprint or any other mark will not be printed in place of the signature on the identity card, while the image of the thumbprint will also be avoided in view of the concerns of forgery.
A NADRA spokesperson has said that an awareness campaign has been launched for illiterate people and those who cannot sign, while applicants submitting applications through the app have also been instructed not to upload an image of the thumbprint.
The spokesperson said that it will be mandatory to apply for correction to add a signature to the identity card or change the existing signature.
NADRA officials say that providing accurate signature information will make the process of issuing identity documents easier and more transparent.
Major NADRA step to register undocumented citizens
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced an important facility for unregistered citizens, especially women, across the country.
Under this facility, people above a certain age will now be able to get a national identity card without a birth certificate.
According to NADRA officials, women aged 18 and above and men aged 24 and above have been temporarily exempted from the requirement of a birth certificate till December 31, 2026.
This move aims to provide national identity to citizens who have not been able to register in the government system for various reasons.
According to NADRA, about three percent of the country’s population is still not included in the official records, of which two-thirds are women.
The agency says that due to the lack of identity documents, thousands of people are deprived of basic civic amenities, banking, education, and government services.
In this regard, NADRA also released a special podcast, which explains in detail the procedure and alternative conditions for obtaining an identity card for people living in different situations.
NADRA says that citizens should meet the prescribed conditions, approach the nearest NADRA centers, and take advantage of this special facility.
