The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced a groundbreaking reform in the issuance of succession certificates, significantly simplifying the process for legal heirs across Pakistan. In an effort to enhance accessibility, transparency, and efficiency, NADRA now allows citizens to apply for succession certificates from any province, irrespective of where the deceased’s assets are located. This step eliminates a long-standing procedural bottleneck that required applicants to initiate the process in the same province where the property was registered, often causing delays and added costs for families during difficult times.

With this nationwide rollout, NADRA has activated 186 Succession Facilitation Units (SFUs) that are now operational in all major regions, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Legal heirs can visit any of these centers to initiate and complete their applications, removing the burden of interprovincial travel or logistical coordination. This change is especially beneficial for individuals living in different cities or overseas, who previously had to make special arrangements just to fulfill procedural requirements.

Complementing this physical accessibility is NADRA’s advancement in biometric verification. Applicants are no longer limited to in-person verification. NADRA now enables users to complete biometric authentication either by visiting an SFU-enabled center or by using the Pak-ID mobile application. The app allows remote identity verification using facial recognition and document submission, making the process smoother for Pakistanis living abroad or in rural areas.

This transformation reflects NADRA’s commitment to digital governance and citizen-centric services. The revised process ensures faster application turnaround, reduces paperwork, and strengthens data integrity by linking biometric records with civil registries. The introduction of centralized verification and digital access also plays a vital role in reducing inheritance fraud, ensuring that only verified and rightful heirs can claim ownership of assets.

To apply for a succession certificate under the new system, legal heirs must provide essential documents including the deceased person’s original death certificate, the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) issued by NADRA, valid CNICs of all legal heirs, detailed information on the movable or immovable assets, and a notarized affidavit confirming the legitimacy of the claim. Once these documents are submitted, the system initiates a verification process that cross-checks familial relationships and asset claims before the certificate is issued.

This initiative delivers multiple benefits. It saves time by removing unnecessary travel and procedural redundancies. It reduces costs by simplifying logistics and legal formalities. It enhances transparency and data integrity by integrating digital records and biometric checks. It also fosters inclusivity by making the process more accessible for women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. By offering remote options, the reform ensures that overseas Pakistanis are no longer disadvantaged in legal inheritance matters.

Beyond personal convenience, this reform also has systemic implications. By digitizing and standardizing succession certificate issuance, NADRA is laying the foundation for better legal protection of property rights, improved land record management, and stronger interdepartmental coordination. These changes contribute to a more transparent legal environment and reduce opportunities for corruption or dispute over inheritance claims.

NADRA’s broader goal with this reform is to transition Pakistan into a more digitally empowered state, where public services are accessible, secure, and citizen-friendly. The simplification of succession certificate procedures is a pivotal milestone in this journey, signaling a shift from outdated bureaucratic practices to modern digital governance.

This development is not just a convenience for individuals it’s a strategic move to transform public administration. It empowers citizens with access to vital civil documentation and strengthens national databases with reliable, verified information. NADRA’s new approach to succession certificate issuance is a reflection of its evolving role as a technology-driven agency working to serve all Pakistanis with fairness, speed, and efficiency.