Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is expanding its passport services with new 24-hour offices while maintaining its existing Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) fee structure for 2025. The expansion advances NADRA’s ongoing efforts to modernize Pakistan’s digital identity infrastructure, which includes the recent implementation of enhanced biometric identification systems and mobile registration capabilities.
NADRA is establishing new passport offices within its mega centers in Karachi to reduce congestion at the central passport office. The new facilities will be located at the NADRA mega centers in North Nazimabad and Siemens Chowrangi (SITE). The expansion follows the successful launch of NADRA’s mobile registration application, which has helped streamline the national ID registration process.
Director General of Immigration and Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi announced these developments during a recent visit to Karachi. The Islamabad Regional Passport Office has already implemented 24/7 operations to enhance service accessibility, demonstrating NADRA’s commitment to improving citizen services across the country.
According to official figures, the authority has cleared its passport backlog nationwide. Since July 1, NADRA has printed 3,376,510 passports, including 776,451 in the normal category, 1,896,403 under the urgent category, and 703,656 under the fast-track category. Citizens can now collect their passports directly from regional passport offices without waiting for notifications, marking a significant improvement in service delivery.
Regarding CNIC services, the fee structure remains stable entering 2025, continuing NADRA’s commitment to accessible identity services. A new Smart National Identity Card costs Rs750 for normal processing, Rs1,500 for urgent processing, and Rs2,500 for the executive category. Applicants must provide a birth certificate or matric result card and a CNIC copy of a family member when applying. These requirements support NADRA’s enhanced security protocols implemented across its identification systems.
The stable CNIC fees complement NADRA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital identity infrastructure, which includes enhanced security features and improved verification processes. The development is particularly significant as Pakistan works to combat identity fraud, with related initiatives including the recent blocking of fraudulent phone numbers by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
Sources: The Express Tribune, Daily Ausaf, Daily Ausaf, Pakistan Observer, ARY News
Follow Us