NADRA Warns of Up to Three Years in Prison for Misusing Its Name and Logo

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued a public warning that anyone using its name, abbreviation, logo, emblem or trademark without written permission could face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. The notice, shared on the social platform X, states that these marks are the authority's legal intellectual property and are protected by law.

According to NADRA, copying or using its identity or presenting its marks as one's own without authorisation is strictly prohibited. The restriction applies across all forms of media, including print, electronic, digital and social media platforms. The authority said such violations fall under Sections 482 to 486 of the Pakistan Penal Code 1860 as well as the Trade Marks Ordinance 2001.

NADRA specifically flagged Facebook pages and other social media accounts that use its name or similar names, saying they breach these laws. The authority said it is pursuing legal action against such pages and is working to have them removed. It also urged citizens to verify that any person or organisation claiming a link with NADRA is genuine before making a transaction or initiating contact, and advised the public to rely only on its official social media accounts for accurate information.

The warning follows a series of earlier alerts from the authority about fake websites operating under its name and fraudulent agents targeting overseas Pakistanis. Those incidents highlighted the risks posed by impersonation of the authority, particularly for citizens abroad who depend on NADRA services for documentation and identity verification.

The notice serves as a reminder that misuse of a government authority's identity carries serious legal consequences. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious pages or individuals claiming to represent NADRA and to confirm the authenticity of any service channel before sharing personal information or making payments.