The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued an important and urgent public Advisory on CNIC Collection, reminding citizens across Pakistan to collect their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) as soon as they are ready. The new announcement comes after the authority noticed a large number of CNICs lying uncollected at various centers for months, causing not only unnecessary delays for applicants but also putting pressure on the system’s storage and security processes.

According to NADRA’s latest statement, thousands of printed CNICs are waiting for collection, and the number continues to rise daily. To address this growing issue, NADRA has reiterated a crucial policy that many citizens are either unaware of or ignore: any CNIC that remains uncollected for more than 90 days is disposed of as per the official protocol. This means the cardholder must file a new application and pay the fee again to receive a fresh CNIC.

This advisory has been issued to prevent inconvenience, financial loss, and delays for citizens while ensuring that Pakistan’s national identity system remains secure, transparent, and efficient. NADRA’s warning serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant and responsible about their identity cards, especially at a time when CNICs are required for almost every major service in the country—from opening bank accounts to SIM registration, government programs, verification, passports, and job applications.

In this detailed report, we explain what NADRA’s advisory means, what steps citizens need to take, the consequences of not collecting CNICs on time, and why updating family records—especially for deceased members—is now more important than ever.

Why NADRA Issued This Urgent Advisory

Over recent months, NADRA offices across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir have been reporting a growing backlog of printed CNICs that remain uncollected long after their processing is complete. These cards are stored for a fixed duration but require space, careful handling, and a secure environment to prevent any misuse.

NADRA officials stated that many citizens apply for urgent or executive CNIC services but fail to pick up their cards on time, assuming that the card will remain available indefinitely. This misunderstanding creates a cycle of inefficiency where thousands of cards accumulate in storage, increasing the risk of mishandling or delays.

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By issuing this nationwide advisory, NADRA aims to:

• Reduce uncollected CNIC stock
• Improve the efficiency of its delivery system
• Protect sensitive identity information
• Ensure timely distribution for all applicants
• Encourage citizens to take responsibility for their documents

The advisory is simple yet essential: collect your CNIC within the allowed timeframe to avoid extra fees, delays, and inconvenience.

What Happens If You Do Not Collect Your CNIC on Time?

The most crucial part of NADRA’s advisory is the reminder that every uncollected CNIC is stored for 90 days only. After this period expires, NADRA disposes of the unclaimed card for security and administrative reasons. Citizens who fail to pick up their card must apply again, which results in:

1. Another Fee Payment

Even if you have previously paid for urgent or executive processing, missing the 90-day window means submitting a completely new application. NADRA does not reissue the same card for free.

2. Longer Verification Process

A new application requires fresh biometric verification, photograph, and in some cases, address or family tree confirmation.

3. Delay in Access to Services

Without a valid CNIC, citizens may face difficulty in:

• SIM issuance or re-verification
• Opening or operating bank accounts
• Receiving government subsidies
• Applying for passports
• Travelling domestically
• Job applications
• BISP/Ehsaas program eligibility
• Utility applications and bills
• Property verification

A single delay in picking up the CNIC can affect several areas of daily life.

4. Extra Burden on NADRA Offices

Thousands of uncollected cards increase workload and slow down urgent processing for other citizens.

How to Check If Your CNIC Is Ready for Pickup

Many applicants do not collect their CNIC simply because they do not know it is ready for release. NADRA has made it easier than ever to track your CNIC status using four simple methods:

✔ 1. SMS to 8400

Send your CNIC number (13 digits) to 8400.
You will immediately receive an update indicating whether your card is ready or still in process.

✔ 2. NADRA Pak ID Mobile App

The official mobile app allows you to:

• Track application status
• See printing updates
• Choose home delivery (executive)
• Pay fees online
• Update family tree

It is one of the most convenient options for modern users.

✔ 3. NADRA Website (Online Portal)

Visit id.nadra.gov.pk and log in.
Check the dashboard under “Track Application” to see the latest status.

✔ 4. Visit Your NADRA Registration Center

If you are unable to track your application online, visiting the nearest office with your receipt or token number will help you confirm the current status.

Why NADRA Disposes of Uncollected CNICs After 3 Months

Many citizens have questioned why NADRA destroys CNICs instead of keeping them indefinitely. The explanation lies in both security and operational efficiency.

CNICs contain sensitive personal information, and storing them for long periods increases the risk of:

• Identity theft
• Misuse by unauthorized persons
• Data leakage
• Loss or misplacement
• Criminal activity using stolen identities

Moreover, NADRA handles millions of identity documents every year. Storing unclaimed CNICs forever is not feasible and affects the workflow for new applicants. By disposing of unclaimed cards after 90 days, NADRA ensures that:

• Data remains protected
• Offices remain organized
• System efficiency improves
• Risks of identity misuse are reduced

The disposal process follows strict guidelines and is monitored to guarantee complete destruction of personal data.

NADRA Also Advises Families to Cancel CNICs of Deceased Members

Along with advising citizens to collect CNICs on time, NADRA has also highlighted an equally important issue: updating and correcting family records by canceling the CNICs of deceased relatives.

This step is necessary because inactive records of deceased persons often remain in the system for years, leading to numerous complications:

• Property and inheritance disputes
• Fake voting or misuse of identity
• Difficulty in updating family trees
• Verification problems for government programs
• Fraud in bank accounts or SIMs
• Incorrect data in national records

To prevent these issues, NADRA encourages families to cancel CNICs as soon as a family member passes away.

How to Cancel CNIC of a Deceased Family Member

Citizens have two options:

✔ Option 1: Visit a NADRA Registration Center

Bring:

• Original CNIC of the deceased
• Death certificate issued by the Union Council
• Your own CNIC

NADRA will update your family tree and cancel the ID immediately.

✔ Option 2: Use the Pak ID Mobile App

A simple online method that allows you to:

1. Open the app
2. Go to “Manage My Family”
3. Select the deceased member
4. Upload the death certificate
5. Submit the update request
6. Track status online

This digital method is especially useful for overseas Pakistanis.

Why This Advisory Matters Now More Than Ever

The CNIC is the backbone of identity verification in Pakistan. Whether it is banking, telecom, education, medical services, travel, or government subsidies—every institution relies on NADRA’s database.

With increasing digitalization, NADRA is moving towards biometric-based service systems where outdated, uncollected, or inactive CNICs can create verification failures.

Keeping family records accurate and collecting CNICs on time supports:

• Better security
• Smoother service access
• Stronger identity management
• Safe public data practices

How NADRA is Improving Its System

The authority has also introduced several improvements to make the process faster and more comfortable for citizens:

• 24/7 self-service kiosks in major cities
• Upgraded mega centers with larger waiting areas
• Modern biometric scanners for faster data collection
• E-services for home delivery
• New Pak ID App features, including tracking and payment integration

With these advancements, NADRA aims to reduce crowding, minimize waiting time, and help citizens access identity services more conveniently.

Public Reaction to the Advisory

While many citizens appreciate the reminder and find it helpful, others have raised concerns that NADRA should send more SMS alerts before disposing of CNICs. Some have suggested that rural applicants often miss notifications due to network issues or lack of smartphone access.

NADRA, however, maintains that the 90-day window is more than enough and that the primary responsibility lies with applicants to track their CNICs regularly.

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FAQs — NADRA CNIC Advisory:

Conclusion – NADRA Issues Urgent Advisory on CNIC Collection to Avoid Delays and Extra Fees

NADRA’s latest advisory serves as a clear reminder that identity cards must be collected promptly to avoid unnecessary delays, extra fees, and administrative trouble. A CNIC is not just a document—it is an essential part of a citizen’s identity and required in almost every aspect of life.

By collecting CNICs on time and updating family records, citizens help maintain a secure, efficient, and transparent national database. NADRA’s message is simple: Stay responsible, stay updated, and avoid delays.