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Over 27 million Pakistani ID cards expired as NADRA urges citizens to renew documents

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has warned that more than 27 million national identity cards in Pakistan have expired, urging citizens to renew their documents to avoid disruption in essential services.

According to official data, around 27.47 million National Identity Cards, 2.3 million Overseas Cards, 11.65 million Child Registration Certificates, and over 229,000 Juvenile Cards are currently expired and remain unrenewed. NADRA has already sent reminder messages to affected individuals, including parents whose children have reached adulthood but have not yet obtained their first ID cards, local media outlet Media Today reported.

Authorities cautioned that failure to renew identity documents could result in suspension of key services such as bank accounts, mobile SIMs, and access to government welfare programmes, including the Benazir Income Support Programme and subsidy schemes. Citizens may also face difficulties in conducting transactions like property transfers and vehicle registrations.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has also issued an advisory stating that valid identity cards are mandatory for uninterrupted mobile services. Currently, more than 8.1 million SIMs are active against approximately 4.5 million expired ID cards, with over 223,000 cards having lapsed for more than a decade.

NADRA said citizens can renew their documents by visiting registration centres or using digital services such as the Pak-ID mobile application and e-Sahulat franchises. It warned that penalties and additional fees may be introduced in the next fiscal year if renewal rates do not improve.