By My Rishta Pakistan · Updated
Punjab has moved birth and death registration to an online system, free within seven years. What the reports say and how families can prepare.
Information checked on 3 November 2026, based on reports published on 27 and 28 July 2026.
What the change is
According to The Express Tribune and TechJuice, the Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department has digitised the province’s birth and death registration system under newly notified Birth and Death Registration Rules. Both outlets say the system was to become fully operational on 1 August and that births and deaths can be registered through an online platform, with computerised certificates. Neither report says what happens to the old paper registers or booklets, so we do not make claims about that.
Who can benefit
Any family in Punjab that needs to register a birth or death, or has delayed doing so, may be affected. Birth records matter to rishta families because they support a child’s B-form, later the CNIC, and finally the documents needed for a nikah, a marriage certificate or a spouse visa. A wrong or missing record can cause delays years later.
What the reports say about fees and approvals
- Births and deaths that occurred within the past seven years can be registered free of charge, and the computerised certificate is also free in that period. Earlier registration fees for these cases are abolished.
- The requirement of a court decree for delayed registration has been removed.
- Births of children up to one year are registered by the Union Council Secretary. Cases from over one year up to seven years are approved by an Assistant Director. Cases older than seven years are handled by the Deputy Director concerned.
The reports do not give fees for cases older than seven years, a list of documents, step-by-step instructions, a website address or a helpline. We therefore give none here. Your Union Council or the Punjab Local Government Department will confirm them.
How families can prepare
- Check whether your children’s births, and any family deaths, were ever registered. If not, ask your Union Council whether they fall within the seven-year free period.
- Make sure names, dates and parents’ names are spelled the same way on every document.
- Keep copies of hospital papers, old certificates and CNICs together.
- Read our article on the biometric check for marriage certificates and our guide to nikah registration and the nikahnama, because clean records make both easier.
Latest update
As of the reports dated 27 and 28 July 2026, the rules were notified and the system was due to be fully operational from 1 August. We have not found newer reports. We will update this page if official details are announced. The official Union Council has the final word.
Beware of fake agents and scams
Because registration within seven years is reported to be free, be careful of anyone who asks for money to “arrange” a certificate or to speed it up. Use only the official Union Council office and official portals. Never pay for a document that is not issued by the official office, and never share your CNIC, OTP codes or bank details with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. If you suspect fraud, report it to the police or to the official cybercrime reporting channel. See also our rishta safety tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is birth and death registration free in Punjab now?
According to the reports, registration and the computerised certificate are free for births and deaths within the past seven years. Fees for older cases are not stated.
Do I still need a court decree for a delayed birth registration?
The reports say the court decree requirement has been removed. Ask your Union Council about your own case.
Does this change how I find a rishta?
No. It concerns official records. If you are still searching, see our guide to finding a suitable rishta online in Pakistan.
Sources
- The Express Tribune: Punjab digitises birth, death records system (27 July 2026)
- TechJuice: Punjab Digitizes Birth and Death Registration System with Online Portal (28 July 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.