Bug in Nadra halts issuance of new CNICs
By: Syed Irfan Raza
ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of thousands of applicants have been unable to get their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) for the last one month due to a technical fault in the system of National Database Registration Authority (Nadra), Dawn has learnt.
Sources in the authority said as Nadra’s system is not uploading its database, it cannot complete verification of applicants, required before
issuing new CNICs.
“I applied for my mother’s identity card on Nadra’s fast track service 25 days ago, but we are still waiting for it,” said Qurban Baloch, an applicant.
His mother needed CNIC for having computerised passport to travel abroad.
But she could not apply for visa unless she gets passport on the basis of her national identity card.
Mr Baloch said his mother was supposed to have CNIC in two days but after an inordinate delay he met with bosses of Nadra. “Though they assured my mother’s CNIC will be issued in two to three days, she is still without one.”
A source in Nadra said because of some changes in the authority’s system, its database was not being uploaded by Nadra’s verification section. “Due to some fault in the system, verification of applicants cannot be done and thus no new CNICs are being issued,” he said.
A month ago, the data was shifted to the verification section from the database section. The source said the applicants are only being told that cards would be issued “very soon”.
However, Syed Muntazir Rizvi, Nadra’s assistant manager media, said there was no fault in the centralised system of the organisation but added that some of the CNICs have been delayed due to sensitive and technical verification process. “It is possible that some fault might have developed in one of the registration centres.”
However, he was reluctant to reply when asked whether new CNICs were being issued these days.
The official agreed that database of the authority has been shifted to verification section but did not agree that there was any problem in uploading the data.
“Nadra always tries to make improvement in the system and shifting of its database from one section to another is part of the improvement process.”
About delay in issuing CNICs applied under fast track service, the official said it was not necessary that those who paying more fee have a right to get CNIC on wrong and inaccurate information. “We are doing a sensitive job with utmost responsibility.
Therefore sometimes the process of verification takes more time than what is promised with the applicant.”
Many attempts to contact Nara’s Deputy Chairman Tariq Malik remained unsuccessful.
Source: Dawn
Date:7/27/2011
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