High Court held that matters relating to CNICs fall outside the jurisdiction of civil courts
LAHORE:
In a ruling on a petition filed by citizen Ali Ansari, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has stated that civil courts have no authority to order blocking or cancellation of a citizen’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
Justice Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh issued a detailed seven-page judgment, setting aside the decision of a civil court that had led to the blocking of the petitioner’s CNIC. The court termed the action as illegal and ordered that the CNIC be reinstated within 15 days.
In its judgment, the top court held that matters relating to CNICs fall outside the jurisdiction of civil courts.
He stressed that a CNIC is not a form of property but a fundamental proof of the identity of a citizen, which cannot be treated as transferable or inheritable.
The court further observed that CNICs are issued and regulated exclusively by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), which operates under federal authority. He clarified that each individual must register independently with NADRA to establish their identity.
Referring to NADRA regulations, the court noted that citizens are required to obtain a CNIC on turning 18 years, while parents are responsible for registering their children at birth if they are below 18 years.
