Securing a birth certificate is the first and most critical step in establishing a child’s legal identity. Without this document, accessing basic rights such as school admission, obtaining a passport, or securing a National Identity Card (CNIC) later in life becomes impossible. For parents in Pakistan, the process has historically been associated with long queues and complex bureaucracy.
Fortunately, the system is evolving. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and provincial bodies like the Punjab Information Technology Board have introduced digital solutions to streamline these essential services. While some steps may still require a physical presence, much of the registration and tracking process has moved to digital platforms.
This guide walks you through the complete procedure for registering a birth, tracking your application, and understanding the difference between a Union Council certificate and a NADRA Child Registration Certificate (CRC).
Union Council vs. NADRA: What is the Difference?
Before starting the application process, it is vital to understand that there are two distinct documents often referred to as “birth certificates” in Pakistan.
- Union Council Birth Certificate: This is the primary document issued by the local government (Union Council, Village Council, or Cantonment Board) where the child was born. It is proof that the birth has been recorded in municipal records.
- NADRA Child Registration Certificate (CRC/B-Form): This is a federal document issued by NADRA based on the data provided by the Union Council. It provides the child with a unique identity number (which becomes their CNIC number at age 18).
Generally, you must first register with the Union Council before you can apply for the NADRA CRC.
Step 1: Initial Registration at the Union Council
The standard procedure begins at your local Union Council (UC). According to regulations, a child’s birth should be reported within 60 days. Doing so within this timeframe simplifies the process significantly.
To register, you typically need to visit the office of the Secretary of the Union Council for the area where the birth occurred.
- The hospital birth certificate (proof of birth).
- Original and copies of the parents’ CNICs.
- The grandfather’s CNIC (often required for the family tree).
Fees: The fee for issuing a computerized birth certificate at the Union Council level is generally around PKR 100, though this can vary slightly by province or locality.
Union Council Birth Certificate Forms
If you are visiting the office physically, you will be given a form to fill out manually. However, for those looking to save time, many local government websites (especially in Punjab) allow you to download the Union Council Birth Registration Form (PDF) beforehand. Filling this out at home can save you time at the counter.
Step 2: Applying via the e-Khidmat Markaz (Punjab)
For residents of Punjab, the e-Khidmat Markaz offers a streamlined facility that bridges the gap between manual UC processes and full digitalization. Instead of navigating local UC politics, you can visit an e-Khidmat center.
The staff there handles the data entry and processing. Once you submit your documents and pay the fee, you are provided with a tracking ID.
Tracking Your Application Online
One of the biggest advantages of the e-Khidmat system is the ability to track your birth certificate registration online.
- Visit the official website:
ekhidmat.punjab.gov.pk. - Locate the “Track Application” section.
- Enter the Tracking ID provided on your receipt.
If you cannot access the internet, you can also check the status by calling their toll-free helpline at 0800 09100 or using the short code 1284.
Step 3: Getting the NADRA Child Registration Certificate (CRC)
Once the birth is registered with the Union Council, you can proceed to get the official NADRA Child Registration Certificate (CRC), commonly known as the B-Form. NADRA has made significant strides in moving this process online through the Pak Identity App.
How to use the Pak Identity App
You can apply for the CRC from the comfort of your home using your smartphone. Here is the process:
- Download and Log In: Install the Pak Identity App and log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to Family Registration: Select the “Family” category and choose “CRC”.
- Select Relationship: Choose “Myself/My Blood Relatives” to initiate the application for your child.
- Data Entry: Fill in the required details exactly as they appear on the Union Council certificate.
- Biometrics: The app allows you to capture fingerprints using your phone’s camera, removing the need for a physical visit to a center for biometric verification.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload the required proofs (UC Birth Certificate, Parents’ ID cards).
- Payment: Pay the processing fee online.
- Completion: Once the application is approved, you can download the PDF of the registration.
NADRA Fees:
- Normal Processing: Approximately PKR 50.
- Urgent Processing: Approximately PKR 500 (Executive fees may be higher).
Note: Fees are subject to change based on NADRA’s current policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my birth certificate registration number online?
If you applied through e-Khidmat in Punjab, you can verify your details using the Tracking ID on their website. For NADRA certificates, verification is usually done by logging into the NADRA online portal or via SMS services provided by NADRA (texting the CNIC number to 7000 is for CNIC verification, but B-Forms are linked to the family tree).
Can I get a birth certificate if the birth was years ago?
Yes, this is called “Late Entry.” The process is more complex and usually requires an affidavit from a court and verification by the local designated officer (often the Assistant Commissioner) before the Union Council can issue the certificate.
Is the online printout accepted for visa applications?
For official purposes like embassies or immigration, you generally need the original, attested document issued by NADRA (the CRC) on their special security paper. While the digital PDF is valid for records, embassies often require the hard copy issued by NADRA centers or the computerized certificate from the Union Council stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Secure Your Child’s Future Documentation
Registering a birth is not merely a bureaucratic requirement; it is a fundamental right of every child. With options like the e-Khidmat centers in Punjab and the Pak Identity App for NADRA services, the government has reduced the friction significantly.
Parents should aim to complete this process within the standard 60-day window to avoid the complications of late registration. By ensuring your documents are digitized and verified by NADRA, you save your child from future administrative hurdles.
