ISLAMABAD, (APP): NADRA ordered to re verify NICs of 180 millions Pakistanis
Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, taking swift action against use of Pakistani CNICs by aliens, on Wednesday gave 48-hour deadline to National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for preparing a road-map to launch a National Plan for Re-verification of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) of over 180 million population.
The minister issued the re-verification roadmap order after questions were raised over a Pakistani passport and CNIC found from the drone hit car wreckage site in Balochistan, which were claimed to held by Mulla Mansoor, Taliban leader.
He was chairing a meeting here at NADRA Headquarters which was also attended by Chairman NADRA, Director General Passport and Immigration and officials of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
"NADRA has 48 hours for submitting a work plan with a set deadline for initiation of National Plan for Re-verification of CNICs across Pakistan," said the minister.
A spokesman while quoting the minister said, "After emergence of CNIC the message has gone to world that Pakistan's CNIC can be used by anyone. This is against our strategic, security and national interests."
"Let's not send a message to the world that Pakistani ID (identity card) is easily available to anyone who is willing to pay for it. Being a responsible state we will ensure that usage of CNIC by any alien is completely eliminated after this exercise," he remarked.
He said,"This measure would help us to ensure that in future no alien will be able to use Pakistani CNIC and passport, besides removal of those aliens currently holding Pakistani CNIC."
Nisar directed once the road-map was approved for the required national exercise of re-verification of CNICs by NADRA, it must be ensured that general public remained at ease and re-verification of CNICs must be done in a most cordial and friendly way.
The minister further directed to speed up the process of blocking of Pakistani CNICs held by aliens, saying "National security agencies will also assist NADRA in future for ensuring blocking of CNICs and their verification."
He instructed top level hierarchy of NADRA to address the issue of blockage of CNICs of Pakistani nationals.
"I have received complaints that the CNICs were blocked by NADRA of Pakistanis who were citizens of the state, this must be addressed on emergent basis," he added.
Nisar said NADRA officers and its senior level hierarchy must live up to emoluments and perks provided to them since this money was coming from the taxes of public. "Inefficient and under-performing director generals be removed from service of NADRA," he ordered.
He directed the NADRA Chairman to take immediate steps to purge the Authority of corrupt elements on a fast track basis and said there should be a zero tolerance for corruption at all levels.
A comprehensive way forward should be put up to him in next meeting within next few days, he said.