ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued an important advisory for citizens, warning against unnecessary photocopying of identity cards and highlighting growing concerns over misuse of personal data.
In a statement, NADRA advised people not to photocopy their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) unless absolutely necessary and to always carry original documents when visiting NADRA offices for services.
The advisory clarified that no legal value is attached to using CNICs as collateral or surety. “Photocopies are not required for B-forms or registration certificates,” NADRA said, adding that fraudsters often lure citizens with false promises of rewards or financial gain to obtain their personal data and fingerprints.
Digital ID card now available
On a more promising note, NADRA also announced Tuesday the introduction of a digital ID card that can be stored on mobile phones.
The authority encouraged citizens to use this feature to verify their identity conveniently wherever required.
Detailed instructions for obtaining the digital ID card, known as a dematerialised CNIC, have been posted on NADRA’s official website and social media pages.
CNIC cancellations based on death records
The authority also confirmed that it has cancelled the CNICs of individuals declared deceased based on death certificates issued by union councils.
SMS notifications have been sent to the mobile numbers of deceased individuals or their close relatives.
However, NADRA acknowledged that errors have occurred. In several cases, living citizens had their CNICs mistakenly cancelled due to clerical mistakes.
One such case surfaced on social media, where a Facebook user recounted that his CNIC had been invalidated after a union council mistakenly used his ID number on his father’s death certificate a decade ago.
“Despite correcting the record at the union council, NADRA officials remain confused. I’ve visited the NADRA’s mega centre in Blue Area, Islamabad four times, waiting hours each time, only to return disappointed,” the user wrote.
He added, “I am very much alive and standing in front of you—verify me with my fingerprints. But they still don’t know how to fix it.”
Such stories have amplified criticism that administrative systems meant to serve the public are causing distress instead. “It seems Pakistan is not part of the world where government systems are built for citizens’ ease,” he lamented.