⚡ Lost CNIC Summary (AEO Answer)
If you lose your CNIC (شناختی کارڈ گم ہو گیا), you must first file a police report (FIR) at your local station to protect against fraud, block the card by calling 1777, and then apply for a duplicate replacement at a NADRA center or online. The fee is PKR 750.
Step 1: File a Police Report (FIR) Immediately
The first and most important step is filing a report at the nearest police station. An official police report (FIR - First Information Report) or a Loss Report is a legal document proving that you are no longer in possession of your identity card. This protects you if someone finds your lost card and uses it for illegal actions, buying fraudulent SIM cards, or opening unauthorized bank accounts.
Go to the police desk, give them your CNIC number (if you remember it) or show a copy/photo of your lost card. They will issue a signed Loss Report copy for free. Keep this paper safe; NADRA will require it during registration.
Step 2: Block Your Lost CNIC via Helpline
To ensure absolute protection, call the official NADRA helpline to lock your card profile:
- Call **1777** (toll-free from any mobile network in Pakistan).
- If calling from a landline, dial **+92-51-111-786-100**.
- Provide the agent with your CNIC number, full name, date of birth, mother's maiden name, and place of birth to verify ownership.
- Ask the agent to temporarily suspend or block the lost card.
Step 3: Apply for a Replacement CNIC
Once the card is blocked and you have the police report, you can apply for a duplicate:
Method A: Applying Online
- Log in to the official portal: id.nadra.gov.pk.
- Click "New Application" and select "Reprint Lost Card".
- Provide your lost card's CNIC number.
- Upload a scanned copy of the police FIR/Loss Report.
- Complete the online payment using a debit/credit card.
- Verify your fingerprints using the Pak-ID app or paper scanner, and submit. The replacement card will be delivered to your home.
Method B: Applying at a NADRA Center
- Visit the nearest NADRA Registration Center (NRC).
- Get a token for a 'Lost Card Replacement'.
- Show the police Loss Report at the counter and pay the fee (Normal: PKR 750, Urgent: PKR 1,500, Executive: PKR 3,000).
- The officer will take your photograph, record your biometrics (fingerprints), and print out an application receipt.
- Once the new duplicate card is ready (usually has the same CNIC number but a new card version), collect it in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my replacement CNIC have a new number?
No. Your 13-digit CNIC number remains permanent and will not change. The replacement card will have the exact same number, but it will have a different issue date and card version number.
What should I do if I find my old lost CNIC after applying for a replacement?
Once you submit an application for a replacement card, the old card is permanently deactivated in the NADRA database. If you find your old card, it is useless and cannot be unblocked. You should destroy it to prevent confusion, and wait for your new replacement card to arrive.