Citizens will now be able to obtain identity document services not only at dedicated centres of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) but also through selected franchises across the country, officials announced.
The expansion of services follows the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, under which more than 2,000 franchises nationwide, including in Lahore, have been authorised to process identity card services.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, authorities said the move is intended to improve public access and reduce congestion at NADRA offices.
Acting on instructions from the NADRA chairman, more than 270 selected e-Sahulat centres in the Lahore region have been activated to provide these services.
Officials said citizens seeking to avoid long queues and overcrowded centres can now approach their nearest authorised franchise.
Services available at the selected centres include renewal of identity cards and issuance of duplicate cards in cases of loss. Previously, NADRA franchises were limited to providing biometric verification facilities only.
In a statement, NADRA said that citizens unable to use its online “Pak ID” platform can now visit nearby e-Sahulat centres for assistance.
The initiative, it added, is aimed at delivering faster, more convenient and locally accessible identity services to the public.
Reporter: Kaleem Akhtar