Divorce is a sensitive and important legal process. In Pakistan, once a marriage ends, obtaining a divorce certificate is mandatory. This document confirms the legal separation and is required for personal, legal, and official purposes. Traditionally, citizens had to visit their Union Council in person, which could take time and effort.
Now, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a convenient way to apply for a divorce certificate using the Pak-ID mobile application. This initiative allows citizens to apply from home without visiting government offices, making the process fast, secure, and easy to follow.
What is a Divorce Certificate?
A divorce certificate is an official document issued by the Union Council or Arbitration Council after a legal separation is finalized. It proves that marriage has ended legally. In Pakistan, it is mandatory to obtain this certificate after completing the divorce process. This document is required for updating personal records, remarrying, or completing legal transactions.
Only applicants who already have a manual divorce certificate issued by their Union Council or Arbitration Council are eligible to apply through the Pak-ID app. This ensures that the legal process is completed before registration in NADRA’s digital system.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply via Pak-ID App
To start, applicants must download the Pak-ID app on their smartphones and register an account. After logging in, they need to select their province under the Provincial Civil Registration Services section. Here, the “Divorce” option must be chosen before proceeding.
Next, the application form appears where applicants enter personal details. They must select “Divorce” under the category, then check the payable fee according to provincial rules. Once the fee is confirmed, they click on “Start Application.”
Applicants then select their spouse to remove them from NADRA’s record and provide required information, including addresses for both parties. After reviewing all details and acknowledging declarations, the applicant can pay the required fee and submit the application.
Once submitted, NADRA processes the request, and the divorce is automatically registered with the relevant Union Council. After approval, applicants can download the divorce certificate through the app by accessing the home screen, selecting “Download,” then “ID Vault,” “My Documents,” and “CRMS.”
Required Documents for a Divorce Certificate
Applicants must provide several documents to complete the process. These include the application form, registration from the Union Council or Arbitration Council, and the original court in order if applicable. The CNIC of both the applicant and the spouse must also be provided.
Photocopies of these documents should be attested by an officer of grade 17 or above. Applications are accepted only if the marriage (Nikah) was registered in 2001. All cases are processed from the applicant’s relevant district, while cantonment board cases are handled through the respective board.
Fees and Processing Time
The certificate issuance fee is Rs. 200, payable in cash and in Pakistani Rupees. After submitting the application, the original certificate is issued within seven working days. This fast process ensures minimal delay and convenience for citizens.
NADRA field offices handle the issuance, and service centers, known as e-Khidmat Markaz, are open Monday to Saturday. Morning timings are from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, and in Lahore, evening services are also available from 06:00 pm to 12:00 am. On Fridays, centers close from 12:30 pm to 02:30 pm for Jummah prayers.
Coverage Across Pakistan
Currently, the Pak-ID app facility is available across all districts of Punjab, selected districts of Sindh including Karachi East, Karachi Central, Naushahro Feroze, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, and Tando Muhammad Khan, and in Quetta district of Balochistan.
NADRA is working to expand this service nationwide. Soon, citizens in every district of Pakistan will be able to apply for a divorce certificate through the mobile application without any hassle.
Benefits of Using the Pak-ID App
Applying via the Pak-ID app saves time and effort. It eliminates the need to stand in long queues at Union Councils. The digital process ensures that all details are captured accurately and securely. Users can also track the status of their application and download the certificate digitally once approved. Read our guide on vehicle verification in NADRA Launches Pak-ID App for Vehicle Verification, Here is How to Do it.
The app also supports other civil registration services, including birth, death, and marriage certificates. This integrated approach makes Pak-ID a convenient platform for all citizens.
