The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has clarified that citizens do not need to file a First Information Report (FIR) with the police to obtain a replacement for a lost Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
The clarification addresses a common misunderstanding among applicants who believe they must submit a police report before applying for a replacement identity card. NADRA said an FIR copy is not a mandatory document for processing a lost-CNIC replacement application.
The authority issued the clarification in response to a citizen’s question on social media, explaining that its policy does not require applicants to provide an FIR simply to establish that their identity card has been lost.
Is an FIR Mandatory for a Lost CNIC?
According to NADRA’s clarification, citizens can apply for a replacement CNIC without submitting an FIR. Reporting the loss to the police may be a precautionary step, but it is not a compulsory condition for obtaining a replacement identity card.
A police report may help document the circumstances of the loss and provide a record if the card is later misused. However, citizens should distinguish this precaution from NADRA’s stated requirements for processing a replacement application.
Applicants should also confirm whether any additional documentation is needed for their individual circumstances before visiting a registration centre.
How to Apply for a Replacement CNIC
Citizens who have lost their identity cards can apply for a replacement through NADRA’s registration centres or use the authority’s Pak Identity online service, subject to the service’s eligibility and application requirements.
Applicants can consult NADRA’s official website for current guidance on identity-card services, fees and application procedures.
- NADRA official website: https://www.nadra.gov.pk/
- Pak Identity online service: https://id.nadra.gov.pk/
Before submitting an application, applicants should check the latest instructions through NADRA’s official channels to avoid unnecessary visits or delays.
What Citizens Should Know
NADRA’s clarification means that citizens do not need to obtain an FIR solely to meet a general requirement for replacing a lost CNIC.
Reporting the loss to the police remains a precaution that individuals may consider to help protect against possible misuse.
Anyone who suspects that a lost identity card has been used fraudulently should seek guidance from NADRA and the relevant law enforcement authorities.
The clarification is intended to address confusion over the replacement process and help citizens understand that a police report is not a standard prerequisite for applying for a new CNIC after losing the original.
