NADRA starts crackdown against fake CNICs
By: Zahid Gishkori
ISLAMABAD: The National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) has started a nationwide crackdown against fake computerised national identity cards (CNICs) holders.
NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik took the decision after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched an operation against officials reportedly involved in issuing fake CNICs.
“We started the operation as a precautionary measure,” said Malik.
In July, the FIA arrested at least two dozen NADRA employees along with immigration and passport officials and several other independent agents involved in issuing fake CNICs from Lahore. The agency also confiscated records of several travel agents.
Responding to the accusation, the NADRA chairman said the authority had suspended around eight employees and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Investigations were also started and the NADRA employees involved were issued show-cause notices.
Strict vigilance
Sources told The Express Tribune that names of NADRA employees involved in attestation of fake documents are “to be added to a blacklist computerised library.”
As per the instructions of the NADRA chairman, those responsible for such attestations would be added to the blacklist computerised library for life which means they would not be eligible to verify documents in the future.
“Identity cards not registered in NADRA’s database will be considered bogus,” a senior official told The Express Tribune. The authority has also created a new information security department to protect privacy of citizens’ information stored in the national database.
Crackdown on Afghans
NADRA also launched a crackdown against Afghan refugees who are living in Pakistan illegally. Over 200,000 Afghans whose temporary ID cards have expired have been directed to leave the country. They will be no longer treated as refugees in Pakistan.
Verification of CNICs
The authority also urged Pakistani citizens to make sure they always verify their CNICs by sending a text message when dealing in property purchase or sale, or any financial transactions.
This, the authority said, can be done by sending a text on 7000 with relevant identity card number. Each SMS will cost Rs10 plus tax. Once the SMS is sent, the sender will get an automated reply from NADRA’s automatic system within five seconds to confirm whether the CNIC is real or fake. If it’s a valid CNIC, then name and fathers name will be sent back in Urdu otherwise the message would confirm that the identity card is fake.
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