KARACHI: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued an important clarification regarding the registration of birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records.
In an official statement, NADRA clarified that the registration of births, deaths, and changes in marital status is managed under provincial laws by the relevant Union Councils, not NADRA itself. Based on these records, NADRA issues identity documents under federal law, ensuring accuracy and alignment with official data.
This clarification was issued following the circulation of a video on social media in which an individual expressed shock after being wrongly declared deceased at a NADRA office. Addressing the incident, NADRA explained that the person’s death had been registered by a close relative at the concerned Union Council, which led to the record being updated accordingly.
NADRA emphasized that it relies entirely on data provided by Union Councils for changes in personal status. It reiterated that Union Councils are solely responsible for recording births, deaths, and marital status changes. NADRA, in turn, processes this information to update or issue identity documents, such as CNICs.
Highlighting the broader issue, NADRA revealed that over 7 million death records have been registered with Union Councils across Pakistan. However, in many cases, the family members of the deceased have not taken the necessary step to cancel the identity cards of the deceased individuals or update the information with NADRA.
To address this, NADRA has begun sending text messages to the mobile phones of such individuals and their close relatives. These messages urge them to visit the nearest NADRA office to cancel the deceased's identity card if the death information is correct. In cases where the death registration is inaccurate or was done mistakenly, individuals are advised to contact their respective Union Councils to have the record corrected.
The clarification underscores the importance of public awareness and coordination between citizens, Union Councils, and NADRA to maintain the integrity of national records.
