Birth Registration

Birth registration process exists in Pakistan even in rural areas. Metropolitans, corporations, town committees and union councils are held responsible for the registration and record keeping of births and deaths. Unfortunately, the general public specifically of rural areas do not comply with the national requirements regarding registration. Due to the lack of proper registration a large segment of the child community remained missing from the development and planning. Pakistan being signatory to the UN CRC acknowledges that it is the right of the child to be counted acknowledged and registered at birth. The Art 7 & 8 asks the states parties to the convention to register the children for their identity and nationality. Birth registration represents states official recognition of each child individual importance and identity.

Statistical / General Profile:

In Pakistan the level of birth registration is 27 % whereas the annual growth rate and crude birth rates are 2.1 % and 30.5 per 1000 population respectively, which is very low and about 73 % children remained unregistered. According to the Economic Survey (2001-02) the total population of the country is 140.5 Million and total number of children below 19 are 129, 721 thousands.

Now the Government of Pakistan is paying much attention on the registration process. In this connection a national level institution NADRA has been established which is also responsible to facilitate implementation of a national action plan for registration of children. Moreover, Ministry of Interior is also heading a national steering committee on birth registration. Besides this certain goals have been identified in order to maximise the achievements of national campaign for registration. 

Goals To Be Achieved:

• Process of issuance of registration certificate by NADRA needs to be strengthened for all children of Pakistan under 18 years. 
• Effective functioning of union administration to register birth.
• Awareness on registration at birth among masses.
• Capacity building of civil society organisations involved in registration.