NADRA closes centres, continues online service

In the wake of the spread of coronavirus, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had closed its centres, but public can apply for renewal of their Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and for other facilities through the authority's online service.

An official of the NADRA said that people could also apply online for issuance of Juvenile Card (JV), Computerized National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), Pakistan Origin Card (POC), Children Registration Certification (CRC), Family Registration Certificate (FRC), and Cancellation Certificate.

He also said the authority through a notification on March 17 extended the validity of the CNIC.

The CNIC that have expired since September 1, 2109 and are due to expire by June 30, 2020, shall be deemed to be valid till July 1, 2020.

About issuance of letters of administration and succession certificates, the law regarding the matter has been passed by the parliament but these documents can only be issued by the NADRA after government issues a notification in this regard.

The necessary legislation was passed by the Senate and the National Assembly.

The act is to come into force on dates appointed by the government through a notification in the official gazette.

The law passed by the parliament is only applicable in Islamabad, but the governments of Punjab and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are in the process of following it as well.

The Ministry of Interior on March 19 announced the closure of some major public dealing offices including the NADRA centres as part of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Thousands of people visit the NADRA offices daily for various purposes.

Gathering of such a large number of people heightens the risk of spread of the coronavirus.

Keeping this in view, the NADRA has decided to extend the expiration dates of CNICs expiring between September 1 2019 and June 30, 2020.