Govt Approves Major CNIC Change for Married Women

The federal cabinet has approved significant amendments to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules, 2002, introducing greater flexibility and security in Pakistan’s identity documentation system.

The changes, proposed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, include a major shift for married women, who will now have the choice to display either their father’s or husband’s name on their CNICs.

The updated rules also focus on improving the issuance process for Child Registration Certificates (Form B), now requiring birth registration with the Union Council as a precondition. Depending on age, different identification standards will apply to ensure a secure and reliable record-keeping system.

Form B documents will now include an expiry date, a feature aimed at maintaining up-to-date identity records. Officials have clarified that previously issued CRCs will still be valid unless needed for passport applications. There will be no change in the fee structure.

Moreover, the government has cautioned against misreporting, stating that legal action may be taken in such cases. Families will also be allowed to add unregistered members through a process of correction and verification.

These reforms are being described as a milestone in making Pakistan’s identity system more accurate, secure, and inclusive.