The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) may need to increase fees for Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) to address financial challenges and fund the expansion of its office network.
NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar revealed that 61 tehsils in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are without NADRA offices, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring nationwide access to identity card services. This shortage of offices further complicates efforts to address the long wait times and accessibility issues for citizens, particularly in remote areas.
During a National Assembly Standing Committee meeting, NADRA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar explained that expanding services to underserved areas would require a fee hike for CNICs. NADRA is self-funded, and since the free CNIC initiative under former PM Yousaf Raza Gilani, fees have remained unchanged. The expansion of offices, especially in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, would help address service accessibility issues.
During the meeting, some committee members raised concerns about the financial impact of CNIC fees on citizens, suggesting waiving the fee for the first ID card. Security issues, such as reports of Afghan nationals holding fraudulent CNICs, were also discussed. NADRA officials emphasized their efforts to prevent data leaks and unauthorized issuance of CNICs, underlining the authority’s commitment to tackling these challenges while balancing service expansion.