NADRA makes changes in B-form

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced changes in the B-form (registration certificate) to curb identity theft and human trafficking.

According to an Interior Ministry spokesperson, the government has decided to make fingerprints and photographs of children above 10 years an essential part of the B-Form.

Under the enhanced security features, fingerprints and photos of children over the age of 10 will now be mandatory in the B-Form (Registration Certificate).

The issuance of the special B-Form will begin in phases starting January 15.

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A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the NADRA center for the process.

The child’s computerized birth certificate and the parent’s computerised identity card are required for verification. Upon completing the procedure, a B-Form with the child’s photograph and fingerprints will be issued.

This updated B-Form will be mandatory for applying for new passports. Older B-Forms without photographs and fingerprints will no longer be accepted, the spokesperson confirmed.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Passport Department have collaborated to include children’s fingerprints and photographs in the B-Form.

The spokesperson added that in the first phase, from January 15, fingerprints and photographs of children aged 10 to under 18 will be collected. These will be recorded at NADRA centers.

This updated B-Form will be mandatory for applying for new passports. Older B-Forms without photographs and fingerprints will no longer be accepted, the spokesperson confirmed.

The Ministry of Interior further stated that upcoming reforms will introduce additional identification features, such as iris scans, photographs, and fingerprints, at union councils. NADRA’s system will also be integrated with provincial Civil Registration Management Systems to streamline identification processes.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that these measures will help prevent identity theft and misuse of children’s identification information.

It will also curb crimes such as fake ID cards, illegal passports, and human trafficking.