ISLAMABAD: The government has not provided any figure for overseas Pakistanis who could be affected by travel rules involving expired or invalid National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs), while the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has said the matter does not fall within its responsibility.
The issue was raised by MNA Dr Sharmila Faruqui through National Assembly Starred Question No 183. She sought details of how many overseas Pakistanis could face problems under the rules, particularly as thousands of NICOPs expire every month.
The question also asked what communication strategy had been put in place to remove confusion and address fake news reportedly linked to statements by a government spokesperson.
In its written reply, the government said both matters did not pertain to NADRA. The response did not give any figure for the number of people potentially affected and did not explain what steps would be taken to address the communication concerns.
However, the reply provided details about the introduction of a new QR code-based identity card and services available to Pakistanis living abroad.
According to NADRA, the new polycarbonate identity card has been introduced as part of a move towards a more secure, durable and digitally verifiable identity system. The government approved the new card format on February 23, 2026, while 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.
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 when authentication is requested.
NADRA said the QR code would allow identity details to be checked without special card-reading equipment. The new card is also aimed at making the system more efficient, reducing dependence on imported card materials and gradually bringing different identity card formats into a more unified system.
The new cards, however, are being introduced gradually. NADRA said existing Smart CNICs, Smart NICOPs and Smart Pakistan Origin Cards continued to be processed and issued under the applicable rules and remained secure during the transition period, subject to the availability of card materials.
The government also outlined services meant to help overseas Pakistanis obtain or renew identity documents without making unnecessary visits to NADRA offices.
NADRA said it was operating 10 registration centres at Pakistan missions abroad. These 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.
The centres have been equipped with the PakID software application to speed up applications and increase processing capacity, especially for NICOP renewals.
Mobile Registration Operations are also being conducted on weekends in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Dubai. The service is aimed at facilitating people who cannot easily visit NADRA offices during normal working hours, including working people, minors and housewives.
In addition, NADRA said 25 counters were operating at Pakistani missions abroad to help overseas Pakistanis submit applications for identity documents. The locations include 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 offers another option to apply for identity documents from anywhere. It allows users to submit applications online, track identity document services and access selected services linked to 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. People holding a valid identity card 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 carries the same legal validity, evidentiary value and enforceability as the physical card.
NADRA further stated that NICOP holders could continue to benefit from facilities associated with the card, including visa-free travel to Pakistan.
Despite these details about identity cards and overseas services, the main questions about the number of people potentially affected by the reported travel rules and the government’s plan to address public confusion remain unanswered.
The written response provides no estimate of affected overseas Pakistanis and does not set out a specific communication plan to explain the rules. It leaves those seeking clarity on expired or invalid NICOPs without a direct answer to the concerns raised in the National Assembly.
