Changing one’s name is a significant personal decision—whether for religious, professional, marital, or personal reasons. In Pakistan, the process is governed by specific laws and requires navigating several administrative steps. While straightforward in principle, it demands careful attention to documentation and procedure. This guide outlines the complete legal process for changing your name in Pakistan.

📜 Legal Basis & Eligibility

The process primarily falls under the “Change of Name and Correction of Clerical Mistakes Act, 2023” (previously guided by colonial-era laws and provincial regulations). Any adult Pakistani citizen of sound mind can apply for a name change. Minors require application by parents/guardians.

Common reasons accepted:
– Correction of spelling errors in official documents
– Adoption of a Islamic or religious name
– Change after marriage/divorce
– Simplification or modernization of name
– Personal or social reasons (subject to approval)

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📋 Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare an Affidavit
The first step is to draft a sworn affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (usually of Rs. 100–500 value, depending on the province). The affidavit must include:
– Current name
– Proposed new name
– Reason for change
– Father’s/Husband’s name
– CNIC number and address
– Declaration that the change is not for fraudulent purposes

It must be signed by the applicant and attested by an Oath Commissioner or Notary Public.

2. Publish Public Notice in Newspapers
Place a name change notification in two widely circulated newspapers:
– One Urdu newspaper (e.g., Jang, Express)
– One English newspaper (e.g., Dawn, The News)

The notice should include old name, new name, father’s name, and address. Keep multiple copies of the published notice for your records.

3. Apply to the Relevant Union Council/Municipal Committee
Submit the following to your local Union Council or Municipal Office (where your CNIC is registered):
– Completed application form (available at the office)
– Original CNIC + copies
– Affidavit (original + copy)
– Newspaper clippings
– Passport-sized photographs
– Any supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll if applicable)

Pay the prescribed fee (usually nominal).

4. Publication in the Official Gazette
After approval from the Union Council, the change is forwarded for publication in the official Gazette of Pakistan (Federal or Provincial). This is a mandatory step for legal recognition.
– The Gazette notice is arranged by the Union Council or through the relevant Gazette department.
– The process may take several weeks to months.
– Once published, obtain multiple copies of the Gazette notification—this is your primary legal proof.

5. Update National Identity Card (CNIC)
With the Gazette notification in hand, visit your nearest NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) office to update your CNIC.
– Fill out the “Correction Form”
– Submit: Original CNIC, Gazette notification, affidavit, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
– Biometric verification will be done.
– Pay the fee (if any; often waived for first correction).
– A new CNIC with your updated name will be issued.

6. Update Other Official Documents
Once you have the new CNIC, systematically update all other records:
– Passport: Apply for a new passport at the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports.
– Bank Accounts: Visit branches with CNIC and Gazette notification.
– Educational Certificates: Contact relevant boards/universities—process varies and can be lengthy.
– Property Documents: Update via local registrar with affidavit and Gazette copy.
– Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration, etc.

⚠️ Important Considerations & Challenges

– Consistency: Ensure your new name is spelled consistently across all documents.
– Married Women: Those changing name after marriage typically follow a simpler process using the marriage certificate, but can also use this full process if desired.
– Time & Cost: The entire process can take 3–6 months and costs vary (newspaper ads, stamp paper, NADRA/Gazette fees).
– Provincial Variations: Sindh, Punjab, KPK, and Balochistan may have slight procedural differences—always check with local authorities.
– Legal Assistance: While not mandatory, lawyers can help with affidavit drafting and Gazette process.

📞 Key Authorities & Contacts

– NADRA Helpline: 0800-17777
– Union Council/Municipal Office: Local jurisdiction based on address
– Press Information Department (for Gazette related queries, provincial branches)
– Notary Public/Oath Commissioner: Available in district courts

🛡️ Final Tips

1. Keep Multiple Copies: Store physical and scanned copies of the affidavit, newspaper clippings, and Gazette notification.
2. Notify Institutions Proactively: Inform employers, banks, and insurance companies promptly to avoid discrepancies.
3. Patience is Key: Bureaucratic delays are common; follow up politely but persistently.
4. Verify Spellings: Double-check all documents before submission—a typo can lead to another lengthy correction process.

Changing your name in Pakistan is a legally structured process centered on affidavit verification, public notification, Gazette publication, and NADRA updation. While it involves several steps, careful preparation and adherence to requirements can make it manageable. The updated CNIC and Gazette notification serve as your cornerstone proofs, enabling you to align all aspects of your legal identity with your new name. Remember, this change marks a fresh start; ensure every document reflects it accurately.

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