The federal government has approved amendments to the National Identity Card Act of 2002 aimed at improving accessibility and recognition for individuals with disabilities and organ donors in Pakistan.
A spokesperson for the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) confirmed that these changes will soon be reflected in the issuance of new identity cards, marking a progressive step towards inclusion.
The amended law will introduce separate, lifetime-valid identity cards for persons with disabilities. These individuals will receive a specialized Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) featuring a distinctive wheelchair logo, signifying their status.
The same symbol will also be included on the identification cards of disabled children, regardless of whether they hold a formal or temporary card. This development is designed to facilitate easier identification and accessibility.
Moreover, the amendments extend to citizens who have voluntarily registered as organ donors with recognized authorities. These individuals will also be issued lifetime identification cards displaying both the wheelchair logo and an organ donor symbol. To qualify, individuals must first register with the relevant donor registration organizations.
The new cards will serve as a crucial tool in ensuring the inclusion of both groups in various social services and healthcare initiatives. The dual-status card for individuals who are both disabled and organ donors will feature both the wheelchair and organ donor symbols, offering them enhanced recognition across public and private sectors.
These changes have been made under Section 44 of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000, and will be implemented following the official notification in the upcoming Gazette of Pakistan. The updates also introduce new schedules to specify the design and form of the updated identity cards and certificates, ensuring clarity in their use and distribution.
Aimed at streamlining documentation and catering to the specific needs of these vulnerable segments of the population, these amendments are expected to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities while also promoting the cause of organ donation in the country. The new CNICs for disabled adults—whether resident or non-resident—will be issued by NADRA in collaboration with federal and provincial authorities, while special children will receive a Child Registration Certificate or Juvenile Card, valid for the duration outlined in the rules.
