By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has decided to launch a pilot project to provide services for the reprint of lost Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and CNIC renewal through selected e-Sahulat franchises. This initiative forms part of NADRA’s broader strategy to enhance ease of access, outreach, and inclusion in the delivery of identity services.
e-Sahulat, which is operated by NADRA’s wholly owned subsidiary, NADRA Technologies Limited, has an extensive nationwide network of over 22,000 franchises. More than 9,500 of these are equipped with biometric facilities, including fingerprint and camera-based systems.
Typically located at neighbourhood convenience stores, e-Sahulat franchises have previously played a significant role in public facilitation, most notably by helping eliminate long queues at banks for utility bill payments.
These franchises are already providing a range of biometric verification services to the public.
This pilot project is being introduced as an alternate service delivery channel, particularly for citizens who are unable to use the Pak-ID mobile application due to illiteracy or lack of access to smartphones, or who face travel difficulties because NADRA Registration Centres are located far from their residences.
By bringing identity services closer to citizens’ homes, the initiative is expected to reduce travel hardships and significantly ease congestion at NADRA centres.
Approved by Authority Board under Section 9(3) of the NADRA Ordinance 2000 and Section 8(6)(g) of the NADRA Regulations 2002, the pilot has been launched at 18 selected e-Sahulat franchises in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.
During the pilot phase, a designated NADRA officer will be present at each location to ensure service quality and effective oversight. Services will be provided at NADRA’s prescribed fees, with an additional service charge of PKR 100 payable to e-Sahulat.
This initiative is part of NADRA’s phased expansion of its service delivery ecosystem, which also includes the provision of services at selected Union Councils, the introduction of self-service counters at NADRA Registration Centres, and pilot projects for self-service kiosks at high-footfall locations such as shopping malls, railway stations, and universities.
Subject to the successful evaluation of the pilot, the facility will be expanded nationwide to more than 9,500 e-Sahulat franchises equipped with biometric capabilities.
Details of the e-Sahulat franchises participating in this pilot project are available on NADRA’s official website and its social media platforms.
