Why Canceling CNICs After Death is Crucial for Families

Why Canceling CNICs After Death is Crucial for Families

In Pakistan, the timely cancellation of Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) after the death of a family member is crucial to avoid legal complications and ensure accurate records. While obtaining a CNIC is essential for accessing various services, its cancellation is equally important to prevent issues in inheritance, pension claims, and other legal matters.

The Importance of CNIC Cancellation

Many families in Pakistan were previously unaware of the need to cancel CNICs after a death, often due to the associated costs and lack of awareness. This oversight can lead to significant complications, such as:

• Inheritance Distribution**: Active CNICs of deceased individuals can complicate the distribution of inheritance, leading to disputes and delays.
• Pension Settlements**: Un canceled CNICs can cause issues in pension claims, affecting the financial security of the surviving family members.
• Legal Transactions**: Active CNICs can create legal hurdles in various transactions, including property transfers and financial dealings.

NADRA's Reforms: Making Cancellation Easier

Recognizing these challenges, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced key reforms to simplify the CNIC cancellation process. These reforms include:

1. Free Cancellation: The interior minister has directed NADRA to make CNIC cancellation after death free of charge, significantly reducing the financial burden on families.
2. Automatic Updates: When a death is recorded in the Civil Registration Management System (CRMS), NADRA automatically updates the family record. This ensures that the deceased's CNIC is canceled without the need for manual intervention.
3. Biometric Verification: To ensure accuracy, NADRA requires biometric verification when family members visit for any other service. This step confirms the death and prevents fake entries.

Real-World Impact: Case Studies

Bakht Bibi's Story

Bakht Bibi, a 45-year-old resident of Ali Town, Rawalpindi, lost her husband a few months ago. She had never considered canceling his CNIC, but the recent reforms made it easy and free. “We never thought cancelling the ID card was necessary, but now NADRA has made it easy. The cancellation is free, and the entry appears automatically in our family tree record,” she told Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

Bilal Ahmed's Perspective

Bilal Ahmed, a resident of Rawalpindi, appreciates the changes. “Earlier, people avoided the process because of the cost, but now we can easily get the CNICs of our late elders and other family members cancelled without any hassle,” he said.

Benefits of Accurate Records

Legal Expert Usman Farooq Dhaddi

Legal expert Usman Farooq Dhaddi explained that accurate death records are vital for government planning. “With accurate death records, the government can plan better—from budgets to workforce estimates. Linking NADRA’s verified data with other departments would promote transparency in inheritance and welfare systems,” he said.

Room for Improvement

While the reforms have been widely praised, some citizens believe there is still room for improvement. Sidra, a concerned citizen, suggested, “While free cancellation is a welcome step, I wish property transfer and division of inheritance were also made automatic with CNIC cancellation. That would help daughters, like me, receive their rightful share.”

The Bottom Line

The reforms introduced by NADRA to simplify CNIC cancellation after death are a significant step forward. They not only help families avoid legal complications but also enhance data accuracy and transparency. For families like Bakht Bibi’s, these changes bring dignity and recognition, ensuring that even those living in poverty are counted and acknowledged.