Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: The government has not given any figure for overseas Pakistanis who may be affected by travel rules linked to expired or invalid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs), while the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has stated that the matter does not fall under its domain.
The matter came before the National Assembly through Starred Question No. 183 submitted by MNA Dr Sharmila Faruqui. She had sought details of the number of overseas Pakistanis who could face difficulties under the rules, particularly in view of the fact that thousands of NICOPs expire every month.
The question also asked about the communication strategy to remove confusion and counter fake news reportedly connected with statements attributed to a government spokesperson.
In its written reply, the government said both matters did not pertain to NADRA. The response did not give any estimate of the people who could be affected, nor did it explain what measures would be taken to deal with the communication concerns raised in the question.
However, the reply provided information about a new QR code-based identity card and the facilities available for Pakistanis residing abroad.
According to NADRA, a new polycarbonate identity card has been introduced as part of a shift towards a more secure, durable and digitally verifiable identity system. The new card format was approved by the government on February 23, 2026. Amendments to the National Identity Card and Pakistan Origin Card Rules, 2002, were notified on February 24, 2026, through SRO 330(I)/2026 and SRO 331(I)/2026.
NADRA said the new card carries a secure QR code containing protected information about the applicant, including the family number. The information can be accessed through the PakID mobile application and verified whenever authentication is requested.
The authority said the QR code enables identity details to be verified without the need for special card-reading equipment. It added that the new card is also aimed at improving efficiency, reducing reliance on imported card materials and gradually moving different identity card formats towards a more unified system.
The new cards, however, are being introduced in phases. NADRA said existing Smart CNICs, Smart NICOPs and Smart Pakistan Origin Cards are still being processed and issued under the relevant rules and remain secure during the transition period, subject to availability of card materials.
The government also mentioned a number of services designed to help overseas Pakistanis apply for or renew identity documents without unnecessary visits to NADRA offices.
NADRA said it is running 10 registration centres at Pakistani missions abroad. These centres are located in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford in the United Kingdom; Riyadh, Jeddah and Madina in Saudi Arabia; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; and Doha in Qatar.
These centres have been provided with the PakID software application to make the application process faster and increase processing capacity, especially for NICOP renewals.
Mobile Registration Operations are also being carried out on weekends in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Dubai. The service is meant for those who find it difficult to visit NADRA offices during normal working hours, including working people, minors and housewives.
In addition, NADRA said 25 counters are functioning at Pakistani missions abroad to assist overseas Pakistanis in filing applications for identity documents. These counters are located in major cities in the United States, Türkiye, Spain, Oman, Norway, Malaysia, Kuwait, Jordan, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Bahrain, Australia, South Africa, Sweden and Scotland.
The PakID mobile application provides another option for applying for identity documents from anywhere. It allows users to submit applications online, track identity document services and access selected services linked with government departments. NADRA said wider use of the app could reduce the need for in-person visits and make routine NICOP renewals easier.
The reply also referred to the dematerialised identity card introduced under a notification dated September 9, 2025. Holders of valid identity cards can access the digital version through the PakID application once their physical card application reaches the printing stage. Subject to the applicable rules, the digital version has the same legal validity, evidentiary value and enforceability as the physical card.
NADRA further said NICOP holders can continue to avail facilities associated with the card, including visa-free travel to Pakistan.
Despite providing these details about identity documents and overseas services, the written response did not answer the central questions about the number of people who may be affected by the reported travel rules and the government’s plan to address confusion among the public.
The reply gives no estimate of affected overseas Pakistanis and lays out no specific communication plan to explain the rules, leaving those seeking clarity on expired or invalid NICOPs without a direct answer to the concerns raised in the National Assembly.
