NADRA Juvenile Card Requirements
Every child has the right to an official identity from birth, and not registering them is considered a violation of their basic rights. According to NADRA spokesperson Shabahat Ali, parents must ensure that their children are identified early through a juvenile card. This card is the first official identity document for those under 18 years of age. In this guide, we will explain the NADRA Juvenile Card Requirements, the documents needed, the process at Karachi centers, and the new technologies NADRA is introducing to make the system more accessible.
What is a Juvenile Card?
A juvenile card is issued by NADRA for individuals below 18 years. It serves as their official identity until they turn 18. The card is valid up to the child’s 18th birthday, after which the child can apply for a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). This juvenile card plays a crucial role in school admissions, health services, and legal rights, making it a must-have for every child in Pakistan.
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Why Juvenile Registration is a Child’s Right
Shabahat Ali emphasized that failing to identify a child at birth is against the child’s fundamental rights. Without an identity, children face difficulties in accessing education, health facilities, and social protections. Meeting the NADRA Juvenile Card Requirements ensures that every child is legally recognized and protected under the law.
Key NADRA Juvenile Card Requirements
Parents and guardians need to follow certain rules to register their children:
- Parent’s ID requirement: If one parent is unavailable for any reason, the identity card of the other parent is mandatory for the child’s juvenile card.
- In case of divorce, A union council certificate must be provided. This is an essential requirement under the NADRA Juvenile Card Requirements.
- Validity: The juvenile card remains valid until the child reaches the age of 18.
These simple but crucial rules help NADRA maintain accurate family records while ensuring children’s rights are protected.
NADRA Centers in Karachi — Current Capacity
Currently, there are 359 counters across all NADRA centers in Karachi. Shabahat Ali confirmed that this number will be increased soon to accommodate the growing population and improve service delivery. Parents can visit any nearby NADRA office to apply for the juvenile card. Having multiple centers and counters reduces waiting time and helps families complete the process smoothly.
Accessibility and Face Recognition for Elderly Applicants
NADRA is also making efforts to improve accessibility. A face recognition system is being introduced for elderly applicants who face difficulties with fingerprints. This step will make the process easier for grandparents or senior guardians who need to support child registration but struggle with biometric verification. It shows NADRA’s commitment to providing user-friendly services alongside the NADRA Juvenile Card Requirements.
Special Cases & Tips for Parents
To make the process easier, here are some quick reminders:
- If one parent is absent, bring the ID of the present parent.
- In divorce cases, always carry the union council certificate.
- Elderly applicants can request the new face recognition system if fingerprinting is an issue.
- Keep the juvenile card safe; it remains valid until the child turns 18.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for a juvenile card?
Any child under the age of 18.
Q2: What documents are required?
The identity card of at least one parent is mandatory. In divorce cases, a union council certificate is also required.
Q3: How long is the juvenile card valid?
It is valid until the child turns 18.
Q4: How many NADRA counters are in Karachi?
There are currently 359 counters, and more will be added soon.
Q5: What if elderly guardians cannot provide fingerprints?
NADRA is introducing a face recognition system to help such applicants.