The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is an organization in Pakistan responsible for maintaining the national database of citizens and issuing computerized national identity cards (CNICs). It is the primary agency for civil registration and identification in the country.

NADRA collects and stores biometric and demographic data of Pakistani citizens, including their fingerprints, photographs, and other relevant information. This information is used to issue CNICs, which serve as an identification document and is required for various purposes such as voting, opening bank accounts, obtaining a passport, and accessing government services.

NADRA also provides various services related to identity verification and documentation, such as issuing birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. It has a wide network of registration centers across Pakistan where citizens can apply for CNICs and avail of other services.

The organization has played a significant role in streamlining the identification and registration processes in Pakistan and has been involved in various initiatives to enhance security and facilitate e-governance in the country.


The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is an autonomous agency of the Government of Pakistan responsible for maintaining a central database of Pakistani citizens and issuing identification documents. NADRA manages the registration of individuals, their identification, and related documentation such as National Identity Cards (NICs), Family Registration Certificates (FRCs), and Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs).

Here are some key functions and services provided by NADRA:

  1. National Identity Cards (NICs): NADRA issues Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) to Pakistani citizens, which serve as their primary identification document. CNICs contain essential information such as name, date of birth, address, and a unique identification number.

  2. Family Registration Certificates (FRCs): NADRA issues FRCs, which are documents that certify the registration of an individual as a member of a particular family. FRCs are often required for various purposes, such as immigration, sponsorship, or inheritance.

  3. Pakistan Origin Cards (POCs): POCs are issued by NADRA to facilitate overseas Pakistanis who have acquired foreign nationality. POC holders are granted various benefits and privileges when visiting Pakistan, such as visa-free entry, exemption from foreigner registration requirements, and extended stay duration.

  4. Data Management: NADRA is responsible for maintaining and updating a centralized database of Pakistani citizens. This database includes demographic information, biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial recognition), and other relevant details.

  5. Civil Registration and Vital Statistics: NADRA also plays a crucial role in maintaining records of births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and other vital events. These records are used for official purposes, statistics, and documentation requirements.

It's important to note that while I can provide information based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, any recent updates or changes to NADRA's services and procedures may not be included in my response.



3 / 3

NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) is the official government organization responsible for the registration of Pakistani citizens. It is the central authority for the management of national databases, including the issuance of computerized national identity cards (CNICs) and the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events.

NADRA's primary objective is to create and maintain a national database of Pakistani citizens. This database includes personal information such as names, addresses, photographs, fingerprints, and other biometric data. The CNIC issued by NADRA serves as an identification document and is required for various purposes, including voting, opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver's license, and accessing government services.

NADRA also provides various services to Pakistani citizens, such as the issuance of passports, renewal of CNICs, and registration of overseas Pakistanis. It has a network of registration centers across the country where individuals can apply for these services and have their biometric data captured.

Additionally, NADRA plays a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of Pakistan's national database. It employs robust security measures to protect the personal information of citizens and prevent identity theft or fraudulent activities.

It's important to note that while I can provide general information about NADRA, specific details and procedures may change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to visit the official NADRA website or contact their helpline

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in Pakistan is an independent and autonomous agency responsible for maintaining a national database of Pakistani citizens. NADRA's primary function is to issue Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) to citizens of Pakistan. The CNIC serves as an identification document and contains biometric information such as fingerprints and facial recognition data.

NADRA was established in 2000 and has since been involved in various initiatives and projects related to identity management and citizen registration. It plays a crucial role in maintaining accurate records of the Pakistani population, facilitating electoral processes, providing identity verification services, and ensuring the integrity and security of national identity documents.

In addition to CNICs, NADRA also issues other documents, including Pakistan Origin Cards (POC) for overseas Pakistanis, National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), and Child Registration Certificates (CRC).

Please note that my information is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes to NADRA's operations or services since then. It's always a good idea to consult the official NADRA website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.