Punjab Launches Same-Day Birth Registration. Punjab has launched a new digital system that will register newborn babies with NADRA on the same day they are born. The initiative aims to make birth documentation easy, fast, and barrier-free for parents across the province.
This major step comes through a joint effort of the Local Government Department, Health Department, and NADRA. For the first time, hospitals and health centers will send birth information directly for immediate registration.
Why Punjab Launched the Same-Day Registration System
For years, parents faced delays while applying for a Child Registration Certificate (CRC/B-Form). These delays affected many essential services. The government now wants to fix this issue by:
- Ending long bureaucratic steps
- Supporting digital birth records
- Ensuring every child gets identity protection from day one
- Helping families avoid unnecessary visits to union councils
Officials say this system will speed up documentation, especially in rural areas where delays were common.
How the Same-Day Birth Registration Works
Under the new system, hospitals will send newborn data to the relevant union council. NADRA will then begin the process of issuing the child’s CRC.
Step-by-step workflow:
- Baby is born in a government or private hospital.
- Hospital staff enters the birth record in the system.
- Information is shared with the Local Government Department.
- NADRA receives the details instantly.
- Parents submit required documents.
- NADRA issues the Child Registration Certificate (CRC).
The entire process is designed to complete within the same day, depending on document availability.
Why the CRC (B-Form) Is So Important
NADRA’s Child Registration Certificate is required for many official services, including:
- Applying for a passport
- School admissions
- Board examinations
- Government welfare schemes
- Healthcare records
- Legal documentation
- Travel permissions
Without a CRC, a child cannot access many rights and services.
Documents Needed for Same-Day Birth Registration
Parents must provide the following:
- Valid CNIC or NICOP of both parents
- Official birth record from the union council or hospital
- Marriage registration certificate (in some cases)
Once these documents are verified, NADRA begins issuing the CRC.
NADRA Biometric Rules for Children (Age-Wise)
NADRA uses age-based requirements for biometric data. These rules apply to every child during the CRC process.
Age 0 to 3 Years
- No photograph required
- No biometrics or iris scan
- Simple data entry and parent verification only
Age 3 to 10 Years
- Photograph required
- Iris scan may be taken if possible
Age 10 to 18 Years
- Mandatory fingerprints
- Photograph required
- Iris scan required
Every child receives an individual CRC with a defined validity period, and parents must update records as the child grows.
Benefits of Punjab Same-Day Birth Registration System
This new model brings several advantages for families:
1. No More Delays
Birth registration that once took weeks can now finish within a day.
2. Reduced Visits to Union Councils
Hospitals will manage most of the initial work.
3. Stronger Identity Protection
Early registration ensures the child is added to NADRA’s secure database immediately.
4. Digital Record for Life
The child’s identity will be accessible for future updates and services.
5. Better Access to Education & Travel Services
CRC availability helps families plan schooling, passports, and legal requirements early.
How Parents Can Apply Under the New System
Parents should:
- Confirm that the hospital has recorded the newborn’s details.
- Visit the union council if any document verification is required.
- Provide CNIC/NICOP and hospital-issued birth slip.
- Follow guidance from NADRA or the Local Government Department.
- Collect the CRC once processed.
The government plans to fully integrate all hospitals into this system to ensure smooth same-day registration.
What Officials Say About the New System
Government representatives believe this initiative will transform Punjab’s civil registration system. They stated:
- Birth documentation will now be modern, digital, and timely.
- The initiative will reduce missing records and data gaps.
- NADRA’s database will support accurate population planning and service delivery.
Punjab Push for Digital Governance
The province has been expanding digital public services, including:
- Online driving license renewal (DLIMS)
- Digital land records
- e-Pay Punjab
- Automated domicile services
The same-day birth registration system is part of this wider transformation.
Conclusion
Punjab same-day birth registration system marks a major shift toward digital identity management. With NADRA and the Health Department working together, families can register their newborns quickly and avoid paperwork delays. The new system promises faster services, fewer hurdles, and better identity protection for every child.
