The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Wednesday unveiled a new version of the B-Form (birth registration certificate) for children over the age of 10.

This new iteration incorporates mandatory security features, including photographs and fingerprints, marking a significant step toward addressing concerns around identity theft and misuse.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a statement released by the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the new B-Form would include these features for the first time, offering enhanced protection against fraud.

"This initiative is designed to safeguard children’s identity information and curb issues like fake identity cards, illegal passports, and human trafficking," Naqvi explained.

The implementation of the new B-Form will begin gradually on January 15, 2025. To acquire the upgraded document, one parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the nearest NADRA center.

Both the child’s computerized birth certificate and the parent’s computerized national identity card will be required for processing the application.

Following the completion of necessary procedures, a photograph-enabled B-Form, embedded with the child’s photo and fingerprints, will be issued. This updated B-Form will be a mandatory requirement for applying for a new passport. Consequently, older B-Forms that lack these new security features will no longer be accepted.

In his statement, the Ministry of Interior's spokesperson also outlined future plans for even stricter identification measures, including the use of iris scans, photographs, and fingerprints at union councils. In addition, NADRA’s identification system is set to be integrated with provincial Civil Registration Management Systems to ensure more comprehensive data security.