THIS is with reference to the letter titled ‘New CRC system’ (May 24). For citizens whose children are not travelling abroad, the existing B-Form remains fully valid. No immediate action is required. The new CRC framework becomes relevant only when a child requires a passport or pass-port renewal. A CRC without a photo-graph is no longer accepted for passport purposes. This is a deliberate step taken to strengthen child protection and prevent child trafficking, a concern we believe every parent would support.

Regarding the specific situation cited in the said letter, if the children already hold valid passports, these documents remain fully usable until expiry. The new CRC will only be required at the time of the next passport application. The fee for the new CRC is Rs50 only under the normal category, and Rs500 under the urgent category.

The revised framework for CRC simply adds age-appropriate biometric attributes to strengthen a child’s identity credentials against impersonation, fraud and traffick-ing. The official website of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and its social media verticals carry detailed guidance in this regard.

Nadra spokesperson
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2026