• Text size  | | |
• Email this document
• Printable version

Pakistan: Procedure to replace a lost Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) including whether a new number is issued

According to the website of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), which is responsible for issuing Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) (Pakistan 13 Mar. 2007), citizens must provide their CNIC number to their local NADRA Swift Registration Center (NSRC) and pay a fee of 140 rupees [1 Pakistani rupee = $0.02 Canadian dollars (Canada 25 Oct. 2007)] to obtain a new CNIC to replace a lost one (Pakistan n.d.). In a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, a NADRA assistant at the High Commission of Pakistan in Ottawa concurred that those who lose their CNIC must apply for a replacement card at their local registration centre (26 Oct. 2007). The NADRA Assistant explained that the procedure for applying for a replacement CNIC is the same as the procedure for applying for a new CNIC except that citizens must provide a photocopy of their old CNIC card or provide their original CNIC number when applying for a replacement card (Pakistan 26 Oct. 2007). The NADRA Assistant stated that a new CNIC number is not issued when the card is lost; the CNIC number is valid for the life of the bearer and, as such, a replacement CNIC card will bear the same number as the original card (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Canada. 25 October 2007. Bank of Canada. "Daily Currency Converter." [Accessed 25 Oct. 2007]

Pakistan. 26 October 2007. High Commission of Pakistan, Ottawa. Telephone interview with a NADRA assistant.
_____. 13 March 2007. Ministry of Interior. "National Database and Registration Authority." [Accessed 26 Oct. 2007]
_____. N.d. National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). "CNIC: Frequently Asked Questions." [Accessed 25 Oct. 2007]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Canadian high commission in Islamabad and the embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC did not provide information within the time constraints of this Response.

Internet sites, including: Daily Times [Lahore]; Dawn [Karachi]; Diplomatic Mission of Pakistan in Canada; Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Washington, DC; Government of Pakistan.