Unlock the Secrets of Your NADRA CNIC City Codes – A Complete Guide

Introduction to CNIC and NADRA

Overview of NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority)

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is responsible for managing the national identity system in Pakistan. NADRA is internationally recognized for implementing a secure and sophisticated database system that helps in the identification of citizens.

It provides essential services related to the issuance of identity documents like the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and plays a key role in ensuring security, identity verification, and the provision of citizen services across the country.

Importance of the CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) for Pakistani Citizens

The CNIC is the most critical legal identification document for Pakistani citizens aged 18 or above. It allows individuals to access essential services, including voting, opening a bank account, registering for SIM cards, and acquiring passports. Without a CNIC, it becomes challenging to access these services, making it a must-have for every adult citizen​.

Structure of the 13-digit CNIC Number

The CNIC number consists of 13 digits, each serving a specific purpose:

1. First 5 digits: These identify the cardholder’s province, division, district, tehsil, and union council. For example, the first digit indicates the province (1 for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 3 for Punjab, etc.).
2. Next 7 digits: These numbers are randomly generated and represent the individual’s unique identifier within their family tree.
3. Last digit: This digit signifies the cardholder’s gender—odd numbers for males and even for females.

By understanding this breakdown, citizens can better understand how their CNIC reflects personal and regional information.

Understanding the 13-digit CNIC Number

The 13-digit CNIC number assigned by NADRA is not just a random string; each part has a specific meaning related to a person’s geographic location and personal identity. Let’s break it down simply:

Breakdown of the 13 Digits in the CNIC

The CNIC number is divided into three parts:
1. First 5 digits: These identify the cardholder’s location.
2. Middle 7 digits: This segment represents the person’s family and is unique to each family member.
3. Last digit: This indicates the person’s gender.

Province Identification (First Digit)

The first digit shows which province the person belongs to:

• 1: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
• 2: Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)
• 3: Punjab
• 4: Sindh
• 5: Balochistan
• 6: Islamabad
• 7: Gilgit Baltistan​.

Division, District, Tehsil, and Union Council (Next Four Digits)

The second digit identifies the division within the province. The remaining three digits signify the district, tehsil (sub-district), and union council. For example, a person from Lahore might have “352” in this part of their CNIC​.

Family and Individual Identifier (Middle 7 Digits)

The middle portion of the CNIC (separated by hyphens) is the family identifier, connecting all family members under the same code. This creates a “family tree” in the NADRA system​.

Gender Identification (Last Digit)

The last digit of the CNIC tells the gender of the person.

• Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are assigned to males.
• Even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are assigned to females.

Province and Division Codes in CNIC

Each Pakistani citizen’s CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) contains a unique 13-digit number, and the first digit of this number identifies the province where the individual is from.

The next few digits provide more details, such as the division they belong to within that province. Here’s how these codes are structured:

First Digit: Province Identification

The first digit in the CNIC indicates the province of residence:

1. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
2. Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)
3. Punjab
4. Sindh
5. Balochistan
6. Islamabad Capital Territory
7. Gilgit-Baltistan.

Second Digit: Division Identification

The second digit provides the division within the province. Each province has multiple divisions, and every division is assigned a specific code. For example:

• In Sindh, the Karachi Division has the code “42,” while Hyderabad is “41.”
• In Balochistan, the Quetta Division is represented by “54”.

This breakdown helps in precisely identifying the location of each cardholder. The combination of these codes ensures that every Pakistani’s CNIC number is unique and linked to their specific geographic region​.

This system allows for a systematic and organized way of recording and verifying the identity of citizens, ensuring that each number carries meaningful information about its holder.

District Codes and City Identification in the CNIC

The CNIC number in Pakistan is carefully structured to give information about the cardholder’s geographic location.

The third, fourth, and fifth digits of the CNIC represent the district, tehsil (sub-district), and union council of the cardholder. This section helps identify the city and district of a person based on their CNIC.

Explanation of District and Tehsil Codes

• The third digit refers to the district, which is a primary administrative unit within the province.
• The fourth digit indicates the tehsil within the district. If this digit is “0”, it suggests that the tehsil and district are the same (as in large cities).
• The fifth digit points to the union council of the area, which further narrows down the exact locality.

For example, in the CNIC number 35202:

• 3 refers to Punjab Province.
• 5 identifies the Lahore Division.
• 2 indicates Lahore District.
• 0 shows that the district and tehsil are the same, meaning the person is from Lahore city​.

Major City Codes

Here’s a list of some of the major city codes in Pakistan and their corresponding districts:

How to Identify the City from CNIC Code

To identify a person’s city from their CNIC, look at the third to fifth digits. These digits tell you the district and tehsil of the cardholder, which are specific to certain regions. For instance, if someone’s CNIC number starts with 421, this means they are from Karachi.

This system helps precisely track and identify an individual’s location based on their CNIC number, streamlining administrative processes.

Why City Codes Are Important

The city codes within the CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) number in Pakistan play an essential role in various legal and administrative processes. Each part of the CNIC helps identify not just an individual but also their location, which is crucial for accessing many services and rights.

Practical Applications of Knowing Your City Code

1. Voter Registration
   • City codes help in identifying the voting district of a citizen. This ensures that individuals are correctly registered in the appropriate location for voting during elections, ensuring accurate representation and participation.
2. Tax and Legal Identification
   • The city code within a CNIC is often required for tax registration and documentation. It helps ensure that citizens are paying taxes within the correct jurisdiction, and it also simplifies legal identification for court cases or business dealings.
3. Emergency and Government Services
   • During times of emergency, such as natural disasters or health crises, the government can quickly identify the location of individuals using their CNIC data. This helps authorities to direct resources and aid efficiently to the affected areas.
   • Many other government services like passport issuance, SIM card registration, and healthcare access rely on correct city identification for proper processing.

Understanding the city code in a CNIC number is not only important for personal identification but also plays a significant role in national-level administrative and legal processes.

This system ensures the smooth functioning of essential services and the accurate distribution of rights and responsibilities to citizens.

Other Useful NADRA Codes

NADRA offers several SMS-based services that allow users to access important information using their CNIC without needing to visit an office. These services make it easy for citizens to stay updated on various aspects of their data, SIM registrations, and voter status.

Commonly Used NADRA SMS Codes

1. Code 668: Checking SIMs Registered on a CNIC
   To check how many SIMs are registered under your CNIC, simply send your CNIC number (without dashes) to 668. This service provides a list of all SIM cards associated with your CNIC on different networks, helping you keep track of your mobile connections and identify any unauthorized registrations.
2. Code 8300: Checking Voter Registration
   To verify where you are registered to vote, send your CNIC number (without dashes) to 8300. You will receive a reply with the details of your registered voting district, ensuring that you are correctly listed for elections.

How to Use These Codes for Quick Access to NADRA Services

Using these services is very simple:

• Open the SMS app on your phone.
• Type the designated code along with your CNIC number (without any dashes).
• Send the message to the specified number (e.g., 668 or 8300).
• You will receive a response with the requested information within a few moments.

These SMS services are a quick and easy way to access NADRA-related information, saving you time and effort by eliminating the need for physical visits.

FAQs

1. How can I find my city code?

Your city code is embedded within the first five digits of your CNIC number. The first digit identifies the province (e.g., 3 for Punjab, 4 for Sindh), and the following digits represent the division, district, tehsil, and union council. These five digits together give a detailed geographical identification of where the cardholder is from​.

2. What do the middle digits in the CNIC represent?

The middle seven digits of your CNIC are known as the family number. This portion connects all members of a family, creating a unique code shared by people related by blood. It serves as a family tree identifier within the NADRA system​.

3. What if my CNIC shows incorrect details?

If your CNIC contains incorrect information (such as a mistake in your name, address, or family details), you can request a correction through NADRA. You can visit the nearest NADRA centre or use their online portal to submit your corrections. Proper documentation, like a birth certificate or other supporting documents, will be needed to process the changes​.

Understanding these sections will help you navigate through your CNIC details efficiently and ensure all your information is accurate and up-to-date.

Conclusion

Understanding NADRA city codes is essential for various reasons. These codes not only help in identifying the geographical location of a citizen but also play a vital role in government services like voter registration, tax filing, and legal identification.

By knowing your city code, you can ensure that you are correctly listed in government databases, which is crucial for accessing services such as voting, emergency aid, and more.

Additionally, it’s important to regularly check your CNIC details for accuracy. Mistakes in your CNIC, such as errors in your address or family information, can lead to complications in receiving services or completing legal tasks.

NADRA provides multiple ways to verify and correct your details, either through their online portal or by visiting a NADRA office.

By staying informed about your CNIC details and ensuring they are up to date, you can avoid potential issues and benefit from all the services provided by NADRA.