Punjab eliminates fees for birth and death registration

LAHORE: In a major step towards ensuring more inclusive governance, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the abolition of all fees related to birth and death registration across the province.

The new measure comes as part of the Birth and Death Registration Rules 2025, which aims to make vital records accessible to all citizens, irrespective of their financial status.

The policy, effective immediately, eliminates the cost of registering births and deaths, which was previously a financial burden for many families. The decision also eliminates the need for a court order in cases of delayed registration, further simplifying the process for those who may have missed the registration deadline earlier.

In addition to the fee waiver, the provincial government has vowed to issue computerized birth and death certificates free of cost. These certificates, which are now mandatory for accessing various public services, will remain available in union councils and municipal committees for seven years without any associated costs.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stressed the importance of identity as a fundamental right of every citizen and said, “Our government is focused on making services more accessible to the people of Punjab. This initiative will empower citizens, ensure protection of their fundamental rights and facilitate their access to important services.”

The introduction of digital birth and death certificates is being seen as a progressive step towards modernizing public services in the province. The government hopes that this initiative will not only streamline bureaucratic processes but also reduce the number of unregistered citizens, thereby ensuring a more inclusive and accountable system.