ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has identified more than 250,000 fake Pakistani Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs), most of which were reportedly issued to Afghan nationals. A specially developed software revealed that many of these fake CNICs were obtained through agents who added foreigners to the family trees of Pakistani citizens in exchange for money.
Authorities have begun blocking the fraudulent CNICs and instructed affected individuals to visit NADRA offices for verification. Those impacted must submit family tree documents to confirm their identities, after which legitimate CNICs will be reactivated.
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In a bid to make the CNIC process more convenient, NADRA has launched an online facility allowing citizens to apply for their ID cards from home via the Pak ID website or mobile app. Once processed, the CNICs will be delivered directly to applicants through courier, saving them time and avoiding long queues at centers.
Additionally, the government has announced that citizens can now obtain their first CNIC free of cost within 15 days. NADRA also updated its CNIC renewal fee structure: Rs 400 for normal, Rs 1,150 for urgent, and Rs 2,150 for executive processing. Citizens aged 18 and above are eligible for a CNIC, which also grants them voting rights.
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