Acquiring Pakistani Citizenship by Descent

Eligibility Criteria (2025)

✅ A child born anywhere to a Pakistani citizen parent (mother or father) at the time of birth is automatically a Pakistani citizen by descent (Section 5, Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951).
✅ If born abroad, the child must be registered at a Pakistani embassy or consulate to obtain citizenship documentation.
✅ Eligibility extends to children born out of wedlock, provided parentage is legally established with the Pakistani parent.

Required Documentation (2025)

✅ Applicant’s birth certificate (legalized/apostilled and translated into Urdu or English if necessary).
✅ Pakistani parent’s citizenship proof (e.g., National Identity Card - NIC, Computerized National Identity Card - CNIC, or Pakistani passport).
✅ Valid identification of the Pakistani parent (e.g., current CNIC or passport).
✅ Applicant’s valid passport or identification document (if applicable).

Application Process (2025)

📍 For births in Pakistan: Register the birth with the local Union Council or NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) within 60 days.
📍 For births abroad: Register the child at a Pakistani embassy or consulate as soon as possible, ideally within the first year.
📍 Submit documents to NADRA (in Pakistan) or the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports via an embassy/consulate (abroad).
📍 Processing typically takes 1-3 months, depending on verification and backlog.
📍 Upon approval, receive a Pakistani National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or CNIC.

Additional Considerations (2025)

📌 Pakistan permits **dual citizenship** with certain countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada); check bilateral agreements for eligibility (Section 14, Citizenship Act).
📌 Registration delays beyond early childhood may require additional proof of parentage but don’t typically affect eligibility.
📌 More details can be found via the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I hold dual citizenship with Pakistan?

Yes, Pakistan allows dual citizenship with specific countries like the UK, USA, and Canada under bilateral agreements. Check with the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports for your country.

What if I don’t register my child’s birth within 60 days in Pakistan?

Late registration is possible with NADRA by paying a fee and providing an explanation. It won’t affect citizenship eligibility if parentage is proven.

Can I claim Pakistani citizenship if my mother is Pakistani but my father isn’t?

Yes, you’re eligible by descent if your mother was a Pakistani citizen at your birth, regardless of your father’s nationality (Section 5).

How long does it take to process Pakistani citizenship by descent in 2025?

Processing typically takes 1-3 months, depending on document verification and the efficiency of NADRA or the embassy/consulate.

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