| City/District | CNIC Code (Starts With) |
|---|---|
| Karachi Central | 42101 |
| Karachi East | 42102 |
| Karachi South | 42103 |
| Karachi West | 42104 |
| Karachi Malir | 42105 |
| Karachi Korangi | 42106 |
| Lahore | 35201 |
| Rawalpindi | 37405 |
| Islamabad | 61101 |
| Faisalabad | 33102 |
| Multan | 36302 |
| Peshawar | 17301 |
| Quetta | 54401 |
| Gujranwala | 34101 |
| Sialkot | 34104 |
| Bahawalpur | 31304 |
| Hyderabad | 44201 |
| Sukkur | 45402 |
| Larkana | 46401 |
| Abbottabad | 12101 |
| Sargodha | 34103 |
| Dera Ghazi Khan | 38303 |
| Mardan | 14301 |
| Swat | 16101 |
| Kohat | 15302 |
NADRA CNIC Number Structure and Codes
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Digits | 13 digits (formatted as XXXXX-XXXXXXX-X) |
| First Part (5 digits) | – Province, Division, District – 1st digit = Province Code (see below) – Remaining digits = Division, District, Tehsil, Union Council |
| Second Part (7 digits) | – Family Number (links individuals in NADRA’s family tree database) |
| Third Part (1 digit) | – Gender Identifier: Odd = Male (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) Even = Female (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) |
CNIC Province & Division Code Prefixes
| Province/Territory | Province Code | Division(s) | CNIC Prefix Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 1 | Bannu | 11XXX-XXXXXXX-X |
| Dera Ismail Khan | 12XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Hazara | 13XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Kohat | 14XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Malakand | 15XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Mardan | 16XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Peshawar | 17XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Former FATA | 2 | (Now merged with KP) | 2XXXX-XXXXXXX-X |
| Punjab | 3 | Bahawalpur | 31XXX-XXXXXXX-X |
| Dera Ghazi Khan | 32XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Faisalabad | 33XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Gujranwala & Gujrat | 34XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Lahore | 35XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Multan & Sahiwal | 36XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Rawalpindi | 37XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Sargodha & Mianwali | 38XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Sindh | 4 | Hyderabad | 41XXX-XXXXXXX-X |
| Karachi | 42XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Larkana | 43XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Mirpur Khas | 44XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Sukkur & Benazirabad | 45XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Balochistan | 5 | Kalat & Rakhshan | 51XXX-XXXXXXX-X |
| Makran | 52XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Nasirabad | 53XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Quetta | 54XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Sibi | 55XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Zhob & Loralai | 56XXX-XXXXXXX-X | ||
| Islamabad Capital | 6 | Islamabad | 61XXX-XXXXXXX-X |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | 7 | Gilgit, Baltistan, Diamer | 71XXX-XXXXXXX-X |
| Azad Jammu & Kashmir | 8 | Mirpur | 81XXX-XXXXXXX-X |
| Poonch & Muzaffarabad | 82XXX-XXXXXXX-X |
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in Pakistan has implemented a unique system for organizing information about its citizens. One of the key elements of this system is the use of CNIC city codes, a series of numbers that identify the origin or city of issuance of a CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card).
If you’re curious about how NADRA CNIC city codes work, why they’re important, or where to find a comprehensive city code list, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will cover all of this and more, so you can become well-versed in understanding NADRA’s city codes and their functionality.
What Are NADRA CNIC City Codes?
CNIC city codes are part of the 13-digit code etched on every Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) issued in Pakistan. This code serves as a unique identifier for every Pakistani citizen and includes information like their region or city of origin.
Did you know the first five digits of a CNIC number hold intriguing details about the holder? In fact, the very first digit unlocks the mystery of their region! It’s like unlocking a code to discover someone’s roots. For example:
- The first digit reveals the province, whether it’s the vibrant Punjab, dynamic Sindh, or ruggedly beautiful Balochistan.
- The rest of the city code is specific to districts and cities within that province.
This coding system helps NADRA maintain an accurate database, streamlining administrative processes and improving service delivery for everything from passports to bank accounts.
Why Are NADRA City Codes Important?
NADRA city codes may seem like a minor detail, but they play a significant role in several areas of administration and personal record-keeping. Below are the key reasons why these codes matter:
- Improved Identification
The city code aids in streamlining identity verification processes, whether for government services, financial records, or even employment purposes.
- Efficient Record Management
NADRA can use these codes to segment its vast database efficiently, enabling rapid retrieval of information when needed.
- Regional Insights
Government authorities can analyze the distribution of CNICs to better understand demographic trends across districts and cities.
- Security Measures
City codes provide an extra layer of security, ensuring ID cards are authentic and confirming the holder’s origin with ease and reliability.
- Public Use Cases
For many Pakistanis, these codes are essential when filling out forms, registering for services, or confirming details during official processes.
How Are CNIC City Codes Assigned?
NADRA assigns city codes based on a citizen’s registered address at the time of CNIC issuance. Registration typically happens at the NADRA service centers located in districts or tehsils, ensuring that every individual is linked to a city or district code accurately.
For example:
- If someone resides in Lahore, the corresponding CNIC city code will be assigned to them.
- When a person’s address changes permanently, the city code often remains unchanged in their CNIC but can sometimes be updated during periods of reissuance, depending on requirements.
List of NADRA CNIC City Codes
Here’s a glimpse at some of the city codes and their corresponding regions. Keep in mind this is just a small example, and the full list includes hundreds of codes across Pakistan.
Punjab
- 35101: Lahore
- 35404: Gujranwala
- 35202: Rawalpindi
Sindh
- 42101: Karachi-East
- 42201: Hyderabad
- 42401: Sukkur
Balochistan
- 71101: Quetta
- 71401: Gwadar
- 71302: Sibi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
- 65101: Peshawar
- 65301: Swat
- 65402: Abbottabad
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
- 11101: Muzaffarabad
- 11301: Mirpur
- 11202: Bhimber
Gilgit-Baltistan
- 13101: Gilgit
- 13201: Skardu
- 13301: Hunza
For a complete breakdown by district and city, you can visit a NADRA service center or refer to official NADRA documentation.
How to Locate the City Code on a CNIC
Reading the city code on a CNIC is straightforward:
- Look at the 13-digit CNIC number.
- The first five digits contain the city code.
For instance, if a CNIC number is 42101-1234567-1, the city code is 42101, representing Karachi-East.
This code can be matched with NADRA’s database to verify the region of issuance.
Practical Applications of NADRA City Codes
Government Documentation
Whether it’s for traveling abroad, applying for a passport, or filing tax returns, city codes are frequently referenced to complete official paperwork.
Employment Background Checks
Employers may use city codes during verification processes to validate an employee’s place of origin, supporting transparent hiring practices.
Banking and Financial Institutions
Banks utilize these codes for KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols to verify customer identity during account openings and transactions.
Voting Registration
City codes are integral in registering voters for the correct electoral districts, ensuring fairness and transparency in elections.
Common Questions About NADRA City Codes
What Happens if My Address Changes?
If your permanent address changes, you can update the information with NADRA, but the assigned city code typically remains the same unless a completely new CNIC is issued.
Are There Separate Codes for Rural and Urban Areas?
Yes. NADRA uses distinct codes for rural and urban areas within a single district to better organize and segment citizen data.
Where Can I Report Errors in My CNIC City Code?
Be prepared to provide necessary documents like proof of address and identity verification.
How to Access an Updated NADRA City Codes List
For the most up-to-date information, visit your nearest NADRA center or consult their official websiteNADRA’s customer support is here to help you navigate and make the most of city codes with ease and confidence.
Take Control of Your CNIC Information
Understanding NADRA CNIC city codes may seem complex at first, but it’s an essential aspect of verifying and using your identity card effectively. Whether you need the information for government processes, banking, or employment, these codes ensure smoother interactions and consistent record-keeping.
If you’re unsure about your city code or need help managing your CNIC details, visit your nearest NADRA center or reach out through their official website for assistance.
