Pakistan's Identity Crisis: The Economic Cost of Unregistered Citizens

Pakistan's Identity Crisis: The Economic Cost of Unregistered Citizens

In Pakistan, a nation of over 240 million people, the issue of unregistered citizens is a growing concern with profound economic and social implications. According to estimates from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), approximately 45 million people in Pakistan are unregistered, a figure that has not been updated since 2021 despite repeated requests for more recent data.

The Economic Impact of Unregistered Citizens

The lack of identification documents is a significant barrier to economic participation. For individuals like Ahmed Raza, a 19-year-old from Karachi, the absence of an ID card has led to repeated arrests and a inability to secure formal employment. Raza's mother, Maryam Suleman, who is also unregistered, reflects on the challenges she faces: 'I had no idea I would face such difficulties later in life for not being registered.'

The economic impact of unregistered citizens is multifaceted. Without documentation, individuals cannot access essential services such as healthcare, education, and banking. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits economic growth. For instance, the inability to open bank accounts or receive government benefits can severely restrict financial opportunities and savings.

Social and Legal Implications

The social and legal implications of being unregistered are equally severe. Unregistered individuals are more vulnerable to exploitation, including forced labor and child marriage. UNICEF's door-to-door registration campaigns in remote areas like Rajanpur, a village in Punjab, highlight the risks faced by unregistered children. According to government figures, 58 percent of children under five have no birth certificate, making them particularly vulnerable.

The Cost of Registration

The process of obtaining identification documents is both expensive and complex. Raza, for example, needs his mother's or uncle's documents to register, a process that can cost up to $165—a significant burden for a family that earns a month and a half's income from housework and odd jobs. The registration fees vary by province, ranging from free to $7, but these costs are still prohibitive for many living in poverty.

Key challenges include:

1. Financial Burden: Registration fees are a significant expense for low-income families.
2. Complexity: The process often requires multiple trips and the involvement of various professionals, such as doctors and lawyers.
3. Bureaucratic Hurdles: The slow and opaque nature of the registration process can deter individuals from completing it.

UNICEF's Efforts and Successes

UNICEF's efforts to increase birth registration rates in rural areas have shown promising results. In Rajanpur, the birth registration rate has increased from 6.1 percent in 2018 to 17.7 percent in 2024. Child protection officer Zahida Manzoor believes that these efforts will improve the futures of an entire generation. However, the challenges remain significant, particularly in areas with limited resources and infrastructure.

The Role of Technology

Advancements in technology, such as biometric identification, offer potential solutions to the registration crisis. Biometric ID cards, introduced in Pakistan in 2000, have become increasingly essential for accessing formal life. However, the adoption of these technologies must be accompanied by efforts to make the registration process more accessible and affordable.

The Bottom Line

The issue of unregistered citizens in Pakistan is a complex problem with far-reaching economic and social implications. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including increasing awareness, reducing registration costs, and leveraging technology. By ensuring that every citizen has a legal identity, Pakistan can take significant steps towards reducing poverty and promoting inclusive economic growth.