ISLAMABAD: Alarmed by the recent disclosure of fraudulent issuance of computerized national identity cards (CNICs) and passports to non-citizens, the Pakistani government has decided to frame a comprehensive national registration policy to close all loopholes in the system.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi issued this directive while presiding over a review meeting on the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Thursday.
The minister emphasized that the authenticity of identity cards and citizenship is of utmost importance. He stated that a comprehensive policy should be formulated to address these issues, and granting NADRA access to union councils, which are integral to the registration process, would be essential.
“The new policy will ensure that the registration of people is transparent and foolproof,” Naqvi said. He added that this policy would also prevent the registration of non-citizens as Pakistani citizens.
During the meeting, plans to increase the number of NADRA centers in six major cities were also reviewed. It was decided to include Multan in addition to Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, where more NADRA centers will be opened.
In addition, the interior minister addressed the issue of recording a married woman’s father’s or husband’s name on her passport, following concerns raised on the matter. This issue was highlighted during a Geo News broadcast featuring Khadija Bukhari, a lawyer who is a petitioner in a case currently being heard by the Lahore High Court.
The minister has constituted a committee to develop a workable solution to this problem, ensuring that the registration system is both accurate and respectful of individuals’ rights.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the national identification and registration system, preventing fraudulent activities, and improving public trust in the registration process.
 and passports to non-citizens, the Pakistani government has decided to frame a comprehensive national registration policy to close all loopholes in the system.){kind=link}