Pakistan Blocks Over 138,000 ID Cards in Balochistan

The Pakistani government has blocked over 138,000 Computerized National Identity Cards in Balochistan to prevent illegal registrations, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.

Most of these blocked ID cards were previously issued to Afghan nationals using fraudulent documents or other illegal means. Specifically, 8,875 CNICs have been blocked in the Rakhshan and Makran divisions.

The government is reviewing all cases strictly on merit, according to Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary. He emphasized that maintaining the integrity of the National Database and Registration Authority's (NADRA) database is crucial, as any compromise on national records directly affects the country's credibility.

In a separate development, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said the government is prioritizing infrastructure and road network development in Balochistan. Approximately Rs100 billion has been allocated from the Public Sector Development Programme funds for the construction of the Pakistan Expressway (N-25).

The construction work on this strategic highway project is progressing rapidly to ensure timely completion. Out of Rs164 billion allocated under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), nearly Rs116 billion are being spent on projects in Balochistan.

The Senate has passed The Area Study Centres (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and The Centre for Clinical Psychology Centres (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Pakistan's efforts to strengthen its national identity card system and infrastructure development in Balochistan are ongoing. The country has been working to improve its database management and prevent illegal registrations, particularly in regions with sensitive security concerns.

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and least populated province, has faced various security challenges and development issues over the years. The region has been a key focus area for the Pakistani government's development initiatives and security operations.