ISLAMABAD, 13 JAN (DNA) — A bill seeking to amend the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Ordinance 2000 was introduced in the National Assembly on Tuesday, aiming to simplify identity card renewal procedures for senior citizens.
The National Database and Registration Authority Amendment Bill 2025 was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Sharmila Farooqui. Explaining the bill’s objectives, Farooqui said that citizens aged 60 and above often face undue hardship when applying for re-issuance or renewal of their National Identity Cards (NICs).
She noted that NADRA frequently rejects applications and demands documents that are several decades old, including parents’ identity records, which many elderly citizens do not possess.She pointed out that documents dating back to before Partition or prior to 1976 are unavailable in numerous genuine cases, leaving senior citizens without valid identification.
The proposed amendment, she said, suggests a minor procedural change to provide alternative verification mechanisms and prevent unnecessary difficulties for elderly applicants.Following her remarks, the Speaker declared the bill was formally introduced. — DNA
