NADRA warns of penalty for late ID card renewal

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has warned citizens that extra fees or penalties may be charged for late renewal of Smart ID cards.

In a press release, it said: “Under the law, an additional fee or penalty may be imposed for renewal after the due date; however, in view of public convenience, it is not currently being enforced”.

NADRA explained that identity documents in Pakistan are issued for a limited time. Every adult citizen must renew their ID card before it expires.

The authority also warned that if people do not renew their CNIC on time, they may face problems. Their bank accounts, mobile SIMs, and other services could be affected or even suspended.

It further said: “Citizens holding expired identity cards may also be deprived of facilities such as the Benazir Income Support Program, government subsidies (e.g., fuel subsidy), and transfers of property and vehicles,” read official statement.

According to NADRA, millions of identity documents have already expired. These include 27.4 million national ID cards, 2.309 million overseas cards, 11.6 million children’s registration certificates, and 229,000 juvenile cards.

NADRA has sent SMS reminders to citizens, including parents whose children have turned 18 but have not yet made their ID cards.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) says a valid ID card is necessary for mobile services. SIMs linked to expired or deceased individuals can be blocked at any time.

Currently, over 8.1 million SIMs are active on 4.5 million expired ID cards. Also, 223,000 ID cards have been expired for more than 10 years.

NADRA said: “Citizens should renew on time and transfer approximately 1.5 million SIMs registered in the names of deceased relatives to their own names. Otherwise, after June, additional fees and penalties may be imposed for delays,” NADRA concluded.