The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has provided clarification about the entry of “Residents of AJK State” on civil identification cards (CNICs).
The word “Resident of AJK State” is printed in black on Smart Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and in red on ordinary CNICs, as mandated by the legislation and policies that are currently currently in effect. A valid State Subject Certificate (Class 1, 2, or 3) issued by the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is required to be given by applicants in order for this designation to be included on a CNIC. In its clarifying letter, the National Association of Drug and Alcohol Dealers (NADRA) stated that the residency status cannot be imprinted without this certificate.
Speculations on the modification of this policy have recently surfaced on several social media platforms. These rumors are completely without foundation and are being propagated for reasons that are not quite clear. Over 50,000 CNICs bearing the imprint “Resident of AJK State” were issued by the National Authentication and Documentation Authority (NADRA) between the months of December 2024 and January 2025.
NADRA further said that “In a few specific cases, the absence of this imprint may be attributed to either: The applicant’s failure to submit the required State Subject Certificate at the time of application, or errors by the data entry operator during the CNIC processing. For applicants who submitted the required certificate but whose CNICs were affected by errors made by the data entry operator, NADRA has proactively contacted them and arranged for the free reissuance of their CNICs with the correct imprint.”
Applicants who did not initially submit the State Subject Certificate are requested to reapply, pay the relevant fees, and provide the necessary documentation to obtain a corrected CNIC.
“NADRA remains fully committed to fulfilling its legal responsibilities and ensures that identity documents are issued in compliance with prescribed regulations and policies. We have made it our mission to provide citizens with services that are both efficient and transparent, while maintaining the highest possible professional standards.
