NADRA Introduces Enhanced B-Form, Amidst Relaxed CNIC Fees for January 2023
Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced long-awaited enhancements to its Child Registration Certificate (CRC) or B-Form, a move aimed at curbing identity theft and crime. The introduction of the new B-Form follows the authority's decision to maintain the current fees for Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) at all categories for January 2025.
The CNIC remains a crucial document for various services such as a driving license, National Tax Number, bank account, passport, and mobile phone connection. Initially, the standards fees for a domicile, professions holders, Transgenders for coordination number of 750 rupees for a new Smart National Identity Card issuance, 1500 rupees on urgent basis and executive category 2500 rupees fees remain unchanged from the previous month, continuing to so during January 2025 but also equally child registration certificate (CRC) forms Rs50 for the registration of children as a regular fee and for the services under executive category remain unchanged.
The updated B-Form will include fingerprints and photographs for children aged 10 and above, following a phased implementation starting from January 15. This move from Nadra is aimed to strengthen its identification system by integrating it with the Civil Registration Management System of the provinces. As of January 15, the new "biometric" Form B will be mandatory for passport applications for these aged children, and any existing B-Forms without fingerprints and photos will no longer be eligible. Applicants must ensure to register their children for the updated B-Form
A birth certificate or matriculation result card coupled with a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) of the parent or guardians will be required for the application. What's more, parents or guardians of children above 10 years old now need to accompany them when visiting NADRA centers. Moreover, applicants must also provide the child's computerized national ID for enhanced security.
The government aims to use the enhanced B-Form to fight identity theft, human trafficking, and related crimes concerning children in the country. The measures will possibly explore ways to ward off the illegal use of identity cards. This move ultimately showcases progress made in developing more secure identity-related management practices, ensuring the security and legitimacy of the process for Pakistani nationals.
