Islamabad, Apr 10, 2025: NADRA Warn Citizens Failure to Get ID Cards by 19 Years Could Lead to Fines, Jail Time. NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Munir Afsar has issued a strong warning to citizens who have failed to obtain their national identity cards by the time they turn 18.
Addressing the Senate Committee on Interior, General Afsar briefed lawmakers on NADRA’s recent performance and highlighted key updates regarding identity card issuance and penalties for non-compliance.
According to the Chairman, NADRA has made significant strides in improving communication and outreach to the public.
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A WhatsApp channel with a following of over 6 million users has been created to facilitate easier access to services and ensure that citizens are aware of their responsibilities.
During the session, Senator Irfan Siddiqui inquired about the processing time for identity cards when an 18-year-old applies.
The Chairman clarified that under existing regulations, citizens are legally required to obtain their ID cards by the age of 19 years and 3 months, or they will face penalties.
The NADRA Chairman reiterated that failure to acquire an identity card could result in a fine of 50,000 rupees and up to one year of imprisonment.
However, despite these legal provisions, he noted that no individual has yet been penalized for non-compliance, which may indicate that enforcement remains lax.
A significant concern raised during the briefing was the inconsistency of identity card laws across the various provinces in Pakistan. Each province has different rules, creating confusion for citizens trying to navigate the process.
Despite this, NADRA maintains a comprehensive registry of citizens, compiling data through the Unified Citizen Services (UCS) program.
Chairman Lieutenant General Munir Afsar pointed out the growing reliance on smartphones in Pakistan, with 70 million citizens now owning mobile devices, which could be leveraged to enhance NADRA’s services and streamline applications for identity cards.
In a more concerning update, 629 NADRA employees were dismissed for involvement in the production of fraudulent identity cards, highlighting NADRA’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring the integrity of its services.
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Further, DG Passport revealed that Pakistan’s passport office network has significantly expanded from 23 offices to 223, resulting in an improved service delivery.
However, a backlog of 165,000 passport applications remains, and investigations are ongoing into 12,086 fake passports discovered in Saudi Arabia, all linked to fraudulent identity cards.
This vital news, originally disclosed in June 2024, has yet to reach many citizens, who may now be at risk of penalties for failing to comply with identity card regulations.
NADRA Warn Citizens about the impending fines and legal consequences ensure you have your identity card to avoid these severe penalties.
