NADRA Launches Online Birth and Death Registration: A Step Towards Digital Pakistan

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has taken a significant leap forward in public service delivery by introducing a digital system for birth and death registrations. This new initiative aims to make essential life-event registrations far more accessible and convenient for citizens across the country, reducing hassle and streamlining processes as part of the broader “Digital Pakistan” vision.

Eliminating the Need for Physical Visits

In the traditional system, birth and death registrations required individuals to visit their respective union councils, often involving long queues, bureaucratic delays, and multiple visits. Recognizing the inconvenience and inefficiency of this approach, NADRA has now made it possible for citizens to complete these registrations from the comfort of their homes. The newly launched Pak ID mobile application is at the heart of this transformation, enabling users to submit the necessary information directly to the relevant union council through a secure online platform.

Initial Rollout: Targeted Districts

To ensure a smooth transition and efficient implementation, NADRA has initially rolled out this digital registration facility in selected districts. These include:

• Chakwal, with 71 union councils
• Jhelum, with 44 union councils
• Nankana Sahib, with 65 union councils

By starting with these areas, NADRA can closely monitor the system’s performance, address technical challenges, and gather user feedback for future improvements. The intention is to expand this digital service nationwide in a phased manner, ultimately providing all Pakistani citizens with the same level of convenience and accessibility.

How the Online Registration Works

With the Pak ID mobile app, registering a birth or death is straightforward. Users can enter the required details, upload supporting documents, and submit their applications online. This information is then routed to the relevant union council for verification and further processing. By removing the requirement for physical presence, the app saves citizens time and travel expenses and helps reduce congestion and paperwork at union council offices.

Pak-Identity Portal: Expanding Digital Services

Alongside the new birth and death registration service, NADRA has already established the Pak-Identity portal for other identity-related functions. This portal allows citizens to renew, reprint, or modify their Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) online. However, for the first-time issuance of a CNIC, in-person registration at a NADRA center remains mandatory. This ensures that each citizen is officially recognized and their biometric data is accurately captured, forming the backbone of national security and public administration.

Simplified Fee Structure for CNICs

NADRA has further enhanced accessibility by offering a clear, tiered fee structure for CNIC processing, catering to different urgency levels:

• Executive: 7 days processing time, with a fee of PKR 2,500
• Urgent: 15 days processing time, with a fee of PKR 1,500
• Normal: 30 days processing time, with a fee of PKR 750

This flexibility allows citizens to choose the service level that best suits their needs and budget.

Empowering Citizens and Strengthening Governance

The introduction of online services by NADRA is not just about convenience but also about strengthening the relationship between citizens and the state. By simplifying identity management and vital event registrations, NADRA empowers Pakistanis to participate more actively in national affairs, access essential government services, and exercise their rights as citizens. The digital transformation of these processes also helps enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure that records are more accurate and up-to-date.

Looking Ahead: Nationwide Expansion

NADRA’s phased rollout strategy will eventually bring these digital services to all regions of Pakistan. As more districts are included, the benefits of online registration—efficiency, cost savings, and better service delivery—will be realized on a broader scale. This initiative marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards a truly digital society.