Birth and Death Registration Guidebook for ICT

Birth and Death Registration Guidebook for ICT

Islamabad — The Birth and Deaths Registration Act 2017 has been enacted to provide a legal framework for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. This Act aims to establish a systematic and efficient civil registration system within the Islamabad Capital Territory.

The Act applies to the entire Islamabad Capital Territory and covers the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces occurring within its jurisdiction. It establishes the legal basis for maintaining accurate records of vital events.

Key Definitions:

• First Section – Declaration
• Second Section – Who is required to register a birth?
• Third Section – Certificates and Verification
• Fourth Section – Registration of Births and Deaths
• Fifth Section – Role of the Registrar
• Sixth Section – Birth
• Seventh Section – Death
• Eighth Section – Marriage
• Ninth Section – Divorce
• Tenth Section – Registration of Marriage and Divorce
• Eleventh Section – Registration, Correction, and Amendment of Records
• Twelfth Section – Cancellation and Re-registration
• Thirteenth Section – Preservation and Inspection of Records
• Fourteenth Section – Powers and Duties of the Registrar
• Fifteenth Section – Fees
• Sixteenth Section – Offenses and Penalties
• Seventeenth Section – Maintenance of Registers
• Eighteenth Section – Issue of Certificates
• Nineteenth Section – Annual Reports
• Twentieth Section – Amendment, Correction, and Cancellation of Entries
• Twenty-first Section – Registration of Foreign Births
• Twenty-second Section – Correction of Errors in Registration
• Twenty-third Section – Additional Powers of the Registrar
• Twenty-fourth Section – Rules and Regulations
• Twenty-fifth Section – Repeal and Savings
• Twenty-sixth Section – Short Title and Commencement
• Twenty-seventh Section – Interpretation
• Twenty-eighth Section – Power to Make Rules
• Twenty-ninth Section – Repeal
• Thirtieth Section – Savings

---

First Section: Declaration

The State recognizes the right of every individual to have their vital events registered. This registration is crucial for establishing legal identity, accessing public services, and protecting individual rights. The government is responsible for ensuring that births, deaths, marriages, and divorces are registered accurately and efficiently.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration has established a system for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act 2017. This system aims to create a reliable and accessible civil registration infrastructure.

The Act provides for the establishment of a civil registration system that is integrated with other government databases. This integration ensures that vital statistics are collected, analyzed, and used for policy-making and planning.

References: Sections 1, 2

---

Second Section: Who is required to register a birth?

It is the duty of the following persons to register a birth:

• The father of the child;
• The mother of the child;
• The head of the household;
• The person in charge of the institution where the birth occurred; or
• Any other person present at the birth.

While the primary responsibility lies with the parents or guardians, the State has an obligation to ensure that all births are registered. This includes:

• Registering the birth of a child born in a hospital or medical facility;
• Registering the birth of a child born at home;
• Registering the birth of a child born in an institution;
• Registering the birth of a child born to parents who are not married.

References: Sections 5, 9

---

Third Section: Certificates and Verification

A certificate is an official document issued by the Registrar that serves as proof of the registration of a vital event. Certificates are issued for births, deaths, marriages, and divorces.

References: Section 2(1)(b)

Registrar

The Registrar is the official responsible for the registration of vital events. The Registrar is appointed by the government and is responsible for maintaining the registers and issuing certificates.

References: Section 2(1)(o), Section 3(3)

Place of Registration

The registration of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces takes place at the designated registration centers.

References: Section 2(1)(i)

Vital Events

In this Act, "vital events" refer to:

• Birth;
• Death;
• Marriage;
• Divorce.

References: Section 2(1)(l)

Date of Event

The date of the event is the date on which the birth, death, marriage, or divorce occurred.

References: Section 2(1)(v)

Informant

The informant is the person who provides information about the vital event to the Registrar.

References: Section 2(1)(r)

Marriage

Marriage is the legal union of two persons as husband and wife.

References: Section 2(1)(h)

Divorce

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage.

References: Section 2(1)(t)

---

Fourth Section: Registration of Births and Deaths

The registration of births and deaths is mandatory. Every birth and death occurring within the Islamabad Capital Territory must be registered.

References: Section 3(1)

Registration of Births

The following births must be registered:

• Birth of a child;
• Stillbirth;
• Birth of a child to foreign nationals;
• Birth of a child to stateless persons.

References: Section 3(2)

Fifth Section: Role of the Registrar

The Registrar is responsible for the following duties:

• Maintaining the registers;
• Issuing certificates;
• Verifying information;
• Collecting fees;
• Cooperating with other government agencies;
• Ensuring the accuracy of records;
• Protecting the privacy of individuals;
• Reporting to the government;
• Performing other duties assigned by law.

References: Sections 3(3), 12, 14, 22, 23

---

Sixth Section: Birth

The registration of a birth is the first step in establishing a person's legal identity. The birth must be registered within a specified time frame.

References: Sections 11, 18, 19, 20, 22

Seventh Section: Death

The registration of a death is required to update civil records and close the legal identity of the deceased. The death must be registered within a specified time frame.

References: Sections 11, 18, 19, 20, 22

Eighth Section: Marriage

The registration of a marriage is required to establish the legal status of the spouses. The marriage must be registered within a specified time frame.

References: Sections 11, 18, 19, 20, 22

Ninth Section: Divorce

The registration of a divorce is required to update the civil status of the parties. The divorce must be registered within a specified time frame.

References: Sections 11, 18, 19, 20, 22

Tenth Section: Registration of Marriage and Divorce

The registration of marriages and divorces is handled by the Union Council or the designated authority. The Registrar is responsible for verifying the documents and updating the records.

References: Section 10

Eleventh Section: Registration, Correction, and Amendment of Records

The Registrar is responsible for maintaining the accuracy of the records. Corrections and amendments can be made to the records if errors are discovered or if new information becomes available.

References: Sections 11, 12

Twelfth Section: Cancellation and Re-registration

Registrations can be cancelled or re-registered under specific circumstances, such as fraud, error, or legal order.

References: Section 12

Thirteenth Section: Preservation and Inspection of Records

The Registrar is responsible for preserving the records and allowing authorized inspection. The records are confidential and can only be accessed by authorized persons.

References: Sections 3(2), 13, 17

Fourteenth Section: Powers and Duties of the Registrar

The Registrar has the power to issue certificates, collect fees, and enforce the provisions of the Act. The Registrar must perform their duties impartially and efficiently.

References: Sections 14, 16

Fifteenth Section: Fees

Fees are charged for the registration of vital events and the issuance of certificates. The fees are specified in the Act.

References: Section 15

Sixteenth Section: Offenses and Penalties

Failure to register a vital event or providing false information is an offense punishable by law.

References: Sections 14(2), 16

Seventeenth Section: Maintenance of Registers

The Registrar must maintain the registers in a proper manner. The registers are the official record of vital events.

References: Section 17

Eighteenth Section: Issue of Certificates

Certificates are issued by the Registrar upon request. The certificates serve as proof of the vital event.

References: Sections 18, 18(1), 18(2)

Nineteenth Section: Annual Reports

The Registrar must submit an annual report to the government detailing the number of registrations and other statistics.

References: Section 19

Twentieth Section: Amendment, Correction, and Cancellation of Entries

Entries in the registers can be amended, corrected, or cancelled under specific procedures.

References: Sections 20, 20(1), 20(2)

Twenty-first Section: Registration of Foreign Births

Births of foreign nationals occurring within the Islamabad Capital Territory must be registered.

References: Section 21

Twenty-second Section: Correction of Errors in Registration

Errors in registration can be corrected upon application and verification.

References: Sections 22, 22(1)

Twenty-third Section: Additional Powers of the Registrar

The Registrar has additional powers as assigned by the government.

References: Section 23

Twenty-fourth Section: Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations can be made to implement the provisions of the Act.

References: Section 24

Twenty-fifth Section: Repeal and Savings

Previous laws are repealed, but savings are made for existing rights and obligations.

References: Section 25

Twenty-sixth Section: Short Title and Commencement

This Act is called the Birth and Deaths Registration Act 2017 and comes into force on a date notified by the government.

References: Section 26

Twenty-seventh Section: Interpretation

Terms used in the Act are defined in Section 2.

References: Section 27

Twenty-eighth Section: Power to Make Rules

The government has the power to make rules for the implementation of the Act.

References: Section 28

Twenty-ninth Section: Repeal

Previous laws related to birth and death registration are repealed.

References: Section 29

Thirtieth Section: Savings

Existing registrations and certificates remain valid.

References: Section 30

---

First Section: Declaration

The State recognizes the right of every individual to have their vital events registered. This registration is crucial for establishing legal identity, accessing public services, and protecting individual rights. The government is responsible for ensuring that births, deaths, marriages, and divorces are registered accurately and efficiently.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration has established a system for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act 2017. This system aims to create a reliable and accessible civil registration infrastructure.

The Act provides for the establishment of a civil registration system that is integrated with other government databases. This integration ensures that vital statistics are collected, analyzed, and used for policy-making and planning.

References: Sections 1, 2

---

Second Section: Who is required to register a birth?

It is the duty of the following persons to register a birth:

• The father of the child;
• The mother of the child;
• The head of the household;
• The person in charge of the institution where the birth occurred; or
• Any other person present at the birth.

While the primary responsibility lies with the parents or guardians, the State has an obligation to ensure that all births are registered. This includes:

• Registering the birth of a child born in a hospital or medical facility;
• Registering the birth of a child born at home;
• Registering the birth of a child born in an institution;
• Registering the birth of a child born to parents who are not married.

References: Sections 5, 9

---

Third Section: Certificates and Verification

A certificate is an official document issued by the Registrar that serves as proof of the registration of a vital event. Certificates are issued for births, deaths, marriages, and divorces.

References: Section 2(1)(b)

Registrar

The Registrar is the official responsible for the registration of vital events. The Registrar is appointed by the government and is responsible for maintaining the registers and issuing certificates.

References: Section 2(1)(o), Section 3(3)

Place of Registration

The registration of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces takes place at the designated registration centers.

References: Section 2(1)(i)

Vital Events

In this Act, "vital events" refer to:

• Birth;
• Death;
• Marriage;
• Divorce.

References: Section 2(1)(l)

Date of Event

The date of the event is the date on which the birth, death, marriage, or divorce occurred.

References: Section 2(1)(v)

Informant

The informant is the person who provides information about the vital event to the Registrar.

References: Section 2(1)(r)

Marriage

Marriage is the legal union of two persons as husband and wife.

References: Section 2(1)(h)

Divorce

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage.

References: Section 2(1)(t)

---

Fourth Section: Registration of Births and Deaths

The registration of births and deaths is mandatory. Every birth and death occurring within the Islamabad Capital Territory must be registered.

References: Section 3(1)

Registration of Births

The following births must be registered:

• Birth of a child;
• Stillbirth;
• Birth of a child to foreign nationals;
• Birth of a child to stateless persons.

References: Section 3(2)

Fifth Section: Role of the Registrar

The Registrar is responsible for the following duties:

• Maintaining the registers;
• Issuing certificates;
• Verifying information;
• Collecting fees;
• Cooperating with other government agencies;
• Ensuring the accuracy of records;
• Protecting the privacy of individuals;
• Reporting to the government;
• Performing other duties assigned by law.

References: Sections 3(3), 12, 14, 22, 23

---

Sixth Section: Birth

The registration of a birth is the first step in establishing a person's legal identity. The birth must be registered within a specified time frame.

References: Sections 11, 18, 19, 20, 22

Seventh Section: Death

The registration of a death is required to update civil records and close the legal identity of the deceased. The death must be registered within a specified time frame.

References: Sections 11, 18, 19, 20, 22

Eighth Section: Marriage

The registration of a marriage is required to establish the legal status of the spouses. The marriage must be registered within a specified time frame.

References: Sections 11, 18, 19, 20, 22

Ninth Section: Divorce

The registration of a divorce is required to update the civil status of the parties. The divorce must be registered within a specified time frame.

References: Sections 11, 18, 19, 20, 22

Tenth Section: Registration of Marriage and Divorce

The registration of marriages and divorces is handled by the Union Council or the designated authority. The Registrar is responsible for verifying the documents and updating the records.

References: Section 10

Eleventh Section: Registration, Correction, and Amendment of Records

The Registrar is responsible for maintaining the accuracy of the records. Corrections and amendments can be made to the records if errors are discovered or if new information becomes available.

References: Sections 11, 12

Twelfth Section: Cancellation and Re-registration

Registrations can be cancelled or re-registered under specific circumstances, such as fraud, error, or legal order.

References: Section 12

Thirteenth Section: Preservation and Inspection of Records

The Registrar is responsible for preserving the records and allowing authorized inspection. The records are confidential and can only be accessed by authorized persons.

References: Sections 3(2), 13, 17

Fourteenth Section: Powers and Duties of the Registrar

The Registrar has the power to issue certificates, collect fees, and enforce the provisions of the Act. The Registrar must perform their duties impartially and efficiently.

References: Sections 14, 16

Fifteenth Section: Fees

Fees are charged for the registration of vital events and the issuance of certificates. The fees are specified in the Act.

References: Section 15

Sixteenth Section: Offenses and Penalties

Failure to register a vital event or providing false information is an offense punishable by law.

References: Sections 14(2), 16

Seventeenth Section: Maintenance of Registers

The Registrar must maintain the registers in a proper manner. The registers are the official record of vital events.

References: Section 17

Eighteenth Section: Issue of Certificates

Certificates are issued by the Registrar upon request. The certificates serve as proof of the vital event.

References: Sections 18, 18(1), 18(2)

Nineteenth Section: Annual Reports

The Registrar must submit an annual report to the government detailing the number of registrations and other statistics.

References: Section 19

Twentieth Section: Amendment, Correction, and Cancellation of Entries

Entries in the registers can be amended, corrected, or cancelled under specific procedures.

References: Sections 20, 20(1), 20(2)

Twenty-first Section: Registration of Foreign Births

Births of foreign nationals occurring within the Islamabad Capital Territory must be registered.

References: Section 21

Twenty-second Section: Correction of Errors in Registration

Errors in registration can be corrected upon application and verification.

References: Sections 22, 22(1)

Twenty-third Section: Additional Powers of the Registrar

The Registrar has additional powers as assigned by the government.

References: Section 23

Twenty-fourth Section: Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations can be made to implement the provisions of the Act.

References: Section 24

Twenty-fifth Section: Repeal and Savings

Previous laws are repealed, but savings are made for existing rights and obligations.

References: Section 25

Twenty-sixth Section: Short Title and Commencement

This Act is called the Birth and Deaths Registration Act 2017 and comes into force on a date notified by the government.

References: Section 26

Twenty-seventh Section: Interpretation

Terms used in the Act are defined in Section 2.

References: Section 27

Twenty-eighth Section: Power to Make Rules

The government has the power to make rules for the implementation of the Act.

References: Section 28

Twenty-ninth Section: Repeal

Previous laws related to birth and death registration are repealed.

References: Section 29

Thirtieth Section: Savings

Existing registrations and certificates remain valid.

References: Section 30