ISLAMABAD, Nov 9: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has asked all the countrymen to get their computerized national identity cards before Jan 1, because the validity of manual cards will expire on Dec 31, 2003.

The old registration system begun in 1973, will become invalid on Dec 31, and the computerized cards will replace the old cards on Jan 1.

Nadra, which started production of the computerized cards in October 2001, has turned out over 32 million cards in two years.

The old identity card was a one time card, while the new one is valid for a fixed period, depending on the age of the person. To keep the database updated, the computerized card expires after a certain period and the person has to apply again with current particulars and photograph so that his facial changes can also be incorporated.—APP