NADRA Ends Fee for CNIC Cancellation After Death in Pakistan

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced a major change in its policy — it will no longer charge any fee for cancelling the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) of a person after their death. This step is part of NADRA’s broader efforts to simplify administrative procedures and ease the burden on citizens.

According to a NADRA spokesperson, the authority has started a pilot project in three districts of Punjab under the Civil Registration Management System (CRMS). The aim is to make the registration of vital life events — such as births, marriages, divorces, and deaths — faster and more convenient. The system uses a mobile application that allows local authorities to directly register deaths with the provincial CRMS. NADRA plans to expand this service across the entire country in the coming weeks.

The spokesperson explained that coordination between NADRA and the provincial CRMS systems has been greatly improved to allow real-time data sharing. Once a death is officially recorded in the provincial system, the deceased person’s CNIC can be cancelled automatically through the Pak ID app without requiring any additional payment.

To ensure accuracy and prevent misuse, NADRA has introduced a verification step. Family members who visit NADRA offices for other services must undergo biometric verification, which helps confirm the authenticity of records before a CNIC is permanently cancelled. This step is especially important since some provincial registration systems are still in the process of being upgraded with biometric equipment.

Officials added that this initiative reflects NADRA’s commitment to citizen-friendly digital governance. By eliminating fees and reducing paperwork, the authority aims to make the process more transparent, efficient, and accessible to everyone. It will also help maintain accurate national records and prevent cases where identity cards of deceased individuals remain active in the system.

Overall, this development marks an important move toward modernization and public convenience, strengthening trust in Pakistan’s digital record-keeping system.

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