By My Rishta Pakistan · Updated
Punjab is adding NADRA biometric checks for marriage, birth and death certificates at union councils. What is known and how families can prepare.
Information checked on 29 October 2026, based on reports published on 16 and 17 October 2026.
What the new system is
The Punjab government has begun introducing biometric verification for civil records. According to reports, union councils will check a person’s biometric data against the database of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) before a birth, death or marriage certificate is registered and issued. The tool is called the Civil Registration Management System, and it was developed by the Punjab Local Government Department together with NADRA under an initiative named “Digital Punjab, Transparent Punjab”.
Both The Lahore Times and TechJuice report that the system was formally launched at a ceremony in Sheikhupura by the Punjab Local Government Minister. The stated aim is to reduce fake certificates and false registrations, and to make the service more transparent and easier to access. The Lahore Times adds that union council records will feed directly into NADRA records, including the B-form and CNIC.
Who is affected
Anyone who needs a marriage, birth or death certificate from a union council in Punjab may eventually be affected. For rishta families, the marriage certificate is the most relevant document. It is useful for spouse visas, bank and insurance records, school admissions for children, and inheritance or property matters. Families who are planning a nikah should understand that the registration step may soon involve identity checks of the people concerned.
The reports say the system will be rolled out in phases across all union councils in Punjab. They do not say how long this will take, which union councils come first, or from what date biometric checks become compulsory in each area. Until the Punjab Local Government Department confirms this, nobody should assume that their local union council already uses the system.
How families can prepare
The reports do not publish a document list, a fee, a helpline or a website, so we are not giving any here. Please do not rely on social media posts or agents who claim to know them. What families can sensibly do is the following:
- Make sure the CNICs of the bride and groom are valid and not expired, because the check is made against the NADRA record.
- Check that the personal details on the CNIC, such as name and parents’ names, match the details on the nikahnama. Small spelling differences are a common cause of delay.
- Keep the signed nikahnama safe. Our guide to nikah registration, nikahnama and haq mehr explains what the document contains and why each entry matters.
- Visit your own union council or its official channel to ask what is needed in your area, since the rollout is gradual.
Families going through a second marriage, after divorce or the death of a spouse, should also keep the earlier records in order. Our guides on second marriage in Pakistan and on rishta for divorcees, widows and widowers give calm, practical advice on speaking openly about the past.
Latest update
As of the reports dated 16 and 17 October 2026, the system has been inaugurated and will expand in phases. No timeline has been published. We will update this page if the Punjab government or NADRA announces dates, documents or contact details. The official union council or Punjab Local Government Department channels will always have the final word.
Beware of fake agents and scams
Whenever a new government system starts, some people try to take advantage of confusion. Never pay anyone who promises to “arrange” a certificate, to skip a check, or to prepare papers that were not truly issued. Use only the official union council office, official portals and official helplines. Never share your CNIC, biometric details, OTP codes or bank details with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. If you suspect fraud, report it to the police or to the official cybercrime reporting channel. For more general advice, read our rishta safety tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is biometric verification compulsory for a marriage certificate in Punjab now?
According to the reports, it is being introduced and will reach all union councils in phases. The reports do not give a date for each area, so check with your own union council.
What documents do I need?
The reports do not list documents. Valid CNICs and the nikahnama are the usual starting point, but the union council will confirm the exact requirements.
Does this change how I find a rishta?
No. It concerns record keeping after a marriage takes place. If you are still searching, our guide to finding a suitable rishta online in Pakistan may help.
Sources
- TechJuice: Punjab Makes Biometric Verification Mandatory for Civil Certificates (17 October 2026)
- The Lahore Times: Punjab Links Birth And Marriage Certificates To NADRA Biometrics (16 October 2026)
My Rishta Pakistan is an independent non-profit and is not connected with any government body or political party. This article is for information only.