Ghost Lives: Millions of Pakistanis Without Papers
Identity Crisis in Pakistan’s Rural Villages
In a small government school in southwestern Punjab, teacher Nazia Hussain watches her unregistered students learn without birth certificates. Her class faces a broader problem that keeps thousands of Pakistanis invisible to the state.
The Missing Birth Certificates
Parents in Pakistan usually wait until a child reaches school age—typically five years—to obtain a birth certificate. Yet, by the time children turn seven, many have slipped through the cracks.
- Ahmed Raza, a 19‑year‑old from Karachi, found himself unable to work without an official identity card.
- He was arrested twice for failing to present a document when stopped by police checkpoints.
- His mother, Maryam Suleman—also unregistered—had no idea the lack of registration would hinder their future.
Registration Fees and Barriers
To register, a person needs a parent’s or guardian’s paperwork—a process that often costs up to $165 and can require a doctor, lawyer, or newspaper notice. Even the modest fees—free in some provinces, up to $7 in others—deem a burden for many Pakistanis, most of whom live in poverty.
Local whisper suggests that hidden bribes or a black market can provide a last resort for those who cannot afford official fees.
UNICEF’s Door‑to‑Door Campaigns
In remote villages like Rajanpur, UNICEF is stepping in to prevent others from falling into Raza’s fate. The organization runs door‑to‑door registration drives, emphasizing that undocumented children face higher risks of child labor and forced marriage.
- About 58 % of children under five have no birth certificate, according to government figures.
- The campaigns have increased registration rates from 6.1 % in 2018 to 17.7 % in 2024.
Personal Stories of Hope
Nazia Hussain, mother of two unregistered children, says that time and money are scarce for single households. “The slow process requires multiple trips, and we have no transport as a lone woman,” she confides.
She isn’t alone. A woman named Saba from the same village is determined to register her three children. “We don’t want our children’s future to be like our past,” she says. “If children can attend school, the future will be brighter.”
A Call to Action from UNICEF
Child protection officer Zahida Manzoor stresses that without registration, the state cannot provide basic services. “If the government doesn’t recognize a child exists, it can’t plan for the services they’ll need after birth,” she explains.
Beyond Punjab: The Border Villages
In the mountainous province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mohammad Haris and his brothers have not registered any of their eight children. Their only incentive was the government’s request for documents when applying for the pilgrimage visa to Mecca—a journey that requires lifelong saving.
“That is the only reason worth registration,” Mohammad Haris says, reflecting the profound impact of bureaucratic delays on families far from urban centers.
Conclusion
The story of Ahmed, Maryam, Nazia, and countless others underscores a systemic issue: identification is a foundational right. Without official documents, education, employment, and even basic services are out of reach. The efforts of UNICEF and others shine a light on a path forward—ensuring every child can claim their place in society.
