The government of Pakistan has announced a new plan for people who missed their welfare payments because their CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) expired. Starting from June 1, 2025, those who renew their CNICs will be able to collect their payments again. Many beneficiaries of programs like BISP and Ehsaas Kafalat were stopped from getting money because the system requires an active CNIC for identity checks. This article explains everything you need to know about expired CNICs, the effect on payments, and what steps you should take to get your money.
| What Happens? | What to Do? |
| Payments blocked if CNIC expired | Renew CNIC at NADRA center |
| Over 300,000 affected | Update welfare program info |
| Payments start June 1, 2025 | Carry renewed CNIC for payment |
| Mainly affects rural areas | Contact helplines for help |
Why Expired CNICs Block Payments: The Main Reason
The CNIC is mandatory because it proves your identity. Government programs use it to check if the right person is receiving the money. When a CNIC expires, the system stops payments to avoid fraud and mistakes. Welfare payments like BISP or Ehsaas Kafalat use NADRA’s database to confirm identities. If your CNIC is expired, the system will not allow the payment until you renew it. This is why thousands of people could not get their money recently, even though they qualify for it.
How Many People Are Affected by Expired CNICs?
More than 300,000 people across Pakistan are affected by this problem. Many of these people are women who depend on welfare programs. The highest number of blocked payments is in rural areas. This is because people living there find it harder to renew their CNICs due to fewer NADRA offices nearby. This delay causes many eligible families to miss their monthly support payments. Renewing the CNIC on time is important to avoid losing access to these funds.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew CNIC?
If you do not renew your CNIC:
- Payments Blocked: Your payments will continue to be stopped.
- No Access to Money: The system will not allow you to receive funds.
- Grace Period: Usually between 6 months to 1 year before benefits stop permanently.
- Financial Risk: Missing renewal can cause serious money problems for families depending on welfare.
It is very important to renew your CNIC quickly to keep getting support without any trouble.
How to Renew Your CNIC and Get Your Payments
Renewing your CNIC is easy. You need to visit the nearest NADRA center as soon as possible. The renewal fee is around Rs. 400 for normal service. Take your expired CNIC and any proof of your welfare program registration with you. During renewal, you will update your photo and fingerprints. After your CNIC is renewed, go to your local welfare office to update your records. Once your documents are verified, you will receive a message that payments will resume from June 1, 2025.
Where and How Will You Receive Your Payments?
Payments will be given at several places for your convenience. You can collect money from:
- Government Campsites: Special sites set up by the government for payment distribution.
- Habib Bank Limited (HBL) ATMs: Withdraw your payment directly from HBL ATMs using your CNIC.
- Biometric Agents: Services like JazzCash and HBL Konnect that use fingerprint verification for payments.
Important: Always bring your renewed CNIC and the original payment message SMS (if available). The government has promised that no eligible person will be left behind. All payments blocked due to expired CNICs will restart on June 1, 2025, after proper verification.
Important Tips and Help Contacts for CNIC Renewal and Payments 2025
Do not wait until the last day to renew your CNIC. Renew it as soon as possible to avoid payment delays. Keep your CNIC active to receive monthly support without any problem. If you need help, you can call the following helpline numbers: BISP Helpline at 0800-26477, Ehsaas Helpline at 8171, or NADRA Helpline at 1777. You can also visit official NADRA website at www.nadra.gov.pk for more information and guidance.
Conclusion
In this article, we are sharing all the details about how expired CNICs affect government welfare payments in Pakistan. We explained why CNIC renewal is important, how many people are affected, what happens if you do not renew, and how to renew your CNIC properly. We also shared where to get payments and gave useful tips and contacts. Remember, renewing your CNIC on time is the best way to keep receiving your welfare support without interruption.
FAQs
Can I renew CNIC online to avoid visiting NADRA?
Currently, CNIC renewal requires visiting a NADRA center in person for biometric verification.
What documents do I need besides my expired CNIC for renewal?
You usually need your expired CNIC and proof of enrollment in your welfare program if requested.
How long does CNIC renewal take at NADRA?
Normal service takes a few days, but urgent service is available at a higher cost.
What if I lose my payment message SMS after CNIC renewal?
You can still collect payment with your renewed CNIC by verifying your details at payment centers.