The federal government has made important changes to the National Identity Card Act of 2002 to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and those who have registered as organ donors in Pakistan. These amendments will allow the National Database and Registration Authority NADRA to issue new identity cards designed specifically for these groups making it easier for them to access various social and healthcare services.
According to a NADRA spokesperson these updated identity cards will be valid for a lifetime and will include special symbols to indicate the cardholder’s status. People with disabilities will receive a unique Computerized National Identity Card CNIC featuring a wheelchair logo. This logo will also appear on the ID cards of disabled children ensuring they are easily recognized and can receive the support they need. The initiative aims to make everyday activities and access to services more convenient for individuals with disabilities.
In addition to this the government is also introducing lifetime ID cards for citizens who have voluntarily registered as organ donors. These cards will include both the wheelchair logo and a new organ donor symbol. To qualify for this status individuals must first register with authorized organ donation organizations. Those who are both disabled and organ donors will have a dual-status card featuring both symbols allowing them to receive recognition and assistance in both areas.
These new identity cards will play a vital role in ensuring that both disabled individuals and organ donors are included in various government and private sector programs. By providing lifetime validity NADRA aims to reduce the hassle of renewals and streamline documentation for these groups. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the lives of people with disabilities by making it easier for them to receive benefits and services while also promoting the culture of organ donation in Pakistan.
These changes have been introduced under Section 44 of the NADRA Ordinance 2000 and will be officially implemented once they are published in the Gazette of Pakistan. The updated law also outlines new schedules to determine the design and form of these special identity cards ensuring consistency in their distribution. NADRA will work closely with federal and provincial authorities to issue these CNICs to eligible individuals including both resident and non-resident Pakistanis. Special children will receive a Child Registration Certificate or Juvenile Card which will remain valid for the time period set by the relevant rules.
This step marks a significant move towards inclusion and recognition of marginalized groups in Pakistan. By providing specialized identity cards with clear identification symbols the government is taking an important step in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities and encouraging organ donation for the betterment of society.
