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The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced a special visit to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province of Dhahran. The initiative aims to help Overseas Pakistanis access essential registration services without visiting Pakistan.
The NADRA Mobile Registration Team, in collaboration with the Pakistani Embassy, will visit Tamimi New Camp, Dhahran, on November 7 and 8 (Friday and Saturday). The team will be available from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Saudi Arabia local time).
Overseas Pakistanis living in Dhahran and nearby areas can benefit from NADRA’s services, including:
- Issuance of new Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs)
- CNIC change or renewal
- Other related identity services
The initiative reflects NADRA’s continued efforts to reach and assist Pakistanis living abroad.
NADRA Software Detects Over 250,000 Fake CNICs
In another major development, NADRA’s newly developed software has detected more than 250,000 fake CNICs issued to individuals, most of them Afghan nationals.
NADRA specifically designed the system to identify suspicious or fraudulent ID cards. Reports indicate that several Afghan nationals paid agents to obtain fake CNICs. They allegedly added these individuals to Pakistani family trees before issuing official cards.
Authorities have begun blocking the fake CNICs. Those affected have been instructed to visit NADRA offices for verification. They must submit family tree documents to confirm their identity. Once verified, their legitimate CNICs will be reactivated.
First CNIC Now Free Within 15 Days
In a major relief for citizens, the Government of Pakistan has announced that the first CNIC can now be obtained free of cost within 15 days.
According to NADRA’s official statement, all individuals aged 18 and above who have not yet received a CNIC can apply at any NADRA centre without paying any fee. By law, citizens become eligible for both a CNIC and voting rights upon turning 18.
NADRA has also simplified the process of acquiring a CNIC. Citizens can now apply from home using the Pak ID website or mobile application. Once processed, the ID card is delivered directly to their doorstep through a courier.
This new service helps save time and reduces the need for repeated visits to NADRA centres.
NADRA’s latest efforts, from mobile registration in Dhahran to online applications and software-based fraud detection, highlight its ongoing mission to improve accessibility, security, and convenience for both citizens and overseas Pakistanis.
