The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that a citizen’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) cannot be blocked to enforce a maintenance decree, declaring such action unlawful and a violation of due process. Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabir issued the ruling while allowing a petition filed by Nasir Ali Ranjha, setting aside a 2017 order of a Gujrat executing court that directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block his CNIC over non payment of maintenance to his wife and children.

Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabir issued the ruling while allowing a petition filed by Nasir Ali Ranjha, setting aside a 2017 order of a Gujrat executing court that directed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block his CNIC over non payment of maintenance to his wife and children.

The petitioner had challenged the lower court’s order, arguing that blocking his CNIC was beyond the court’s legal powers. His wife had maintained that the measure was necessary because he had repeatedly avoided complying with the maintenance decree while living abroad.

In his judgment, Justice Shabir held that courts cannot order the blocking of a CNIC without clear legal authority. Referring to recent Supreme Court and LHC rulings, he said the relevant provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure do not authorize such a measure.

The judge observed that a CNIC is an essential identity document required for everyday activities, including obtaining a passport, opening bank accounts, securing employment, accessing public services, traveling, and appearing before courts. He noted that blocking a CNIC directly affects several fundamental rights protected under the Constitution.

Justice Shabir further stated that under the NADRA Ordinance, a CNIC may only be canceled, impounded, or confiscated in specific circumstances prescribed by law, such as fraud, forgery, or ineligibility, and not to compel compliance with a civil court decree.

The court declared the 2017 order blocking the petitioner’s CNIC to be without lawful authority and directed that the identity card be restored immediately. However, the judge clarified that the restoration of the CNIC would not affect the ongoing legal proceedings for the recovery of maintenance, which will continue in accordance with the law.

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