2 min read
The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution proposing a major change to Pakistan’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) adding citizens’ blood group information to enhance emergency medical response and save lives.
The CNIC, issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), serves as the primary form of identification for Pakistanis both locally and abroad. Over the years, NADRA has introduced several upgrades to improve security and usability, but this new proposal focuses on health and emergency preparedness rather than digital security alone.
The resolution, presented by MPA Ahmad Iqbal Chaudhry, emphasizes that including blood group data on CNICs could play a crucial role in medical emergencies such as accidents or natural disasters. Hospitals and rescue teams often waste valuable minutes determining a patient’s blood type time that can mean the difference between life and death.
Chaudhry stated,
“Displaying a person’s blood group on their CNIC will enable doctors and paramedics to provide faster treatment and ensure timely blood transfusions in emergencies.”
If NADRA approves the proposal, it will begin updating CNICs to include this vital detail. Officials say this initiative could also be extended to Pakistani citizens living abroad, making their IDs more useful for both health and identification purposes.
Experts believe this change would not only strengthen Pakistan’s digital identity system but also promote a culture of medical awareness and preparedness. Health professionals have welcomed the idea, calling it a “small but life-saving step toward smarter ID management.”
