I LIVE in the United States, and recently applied for the renewal of the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) with tracking ID 770007056709 for my son as we are planning to visit Pakistan in December this year.

After submitting the application, I received a reply from the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), stating that the application had been deferred because of missing signature, fingerprints as well as a paid utility bill with the same address as the applicant’s name on the ID card, or property documents in parents’ name with the same Pakistani address.

My son is 17 years of age, and, as per Nadra itself, fingerprints are not required for those aged under 18. Also, the PAKID app did not allow me to take fingerprints.

As a matter of fact, as I do not live in Pakistan, I am unable to understand why I am required to provide a utility bill or property documents. It looks like I have lost my application fee, and my visit to Pakistan is in jeopardy. Will anyone at Nadra come to my rescue?

I would also like to add that part of the renewal procedure requires completing the form in Urdu, and while I surely had no difficulty at all, future generations may not be able to maintain and renew their Nicop if this condition continues.

Ayaz Matin
Allentown, PA, USA

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2024