• November 24, 2013
• Information Technology
• Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: By successfully executing identification related projects in a number of developing countries, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has broken the international monopoly once enjoyed by Western companies.

Just recently, it won the first phase of the Sri Lankan government’s identity cards project, through open bidding. This, in itself, is a milestone, and the authority now seems well poised to be awarded the next phases of this multi-million-dollar project as well.

“Up until now, NADRA services have been acquired by the governments of Nigeria, Sudan, and recently Sri Lanka for identification programmes,” says Tariq Malik, the authority’s chairman, with pride. “[Furthermore], Kenya’s passport system has been developed and is being maintained [by NADRA] since 2007.”

The accomplishments do not end here.

“The International Driver’s Licence System of Bangladesh was delivered on BOT (build operate and transfer) basis, and the authority assisted the UNHCR in the registration of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan as well,” adds Malik.

According to him, the organisation has carried out World Bank projects and is on the lookout for more international ventures.

As per the Italian World Congress global rating, NADRA is ranked among top identity management providers of the world.

How did it come about?

Malik, who is himself an IT expert and the winner of various international awards, believes the credit for these achievements must be given to his team of technical experts.

Historically, European banknote manufacturers had a monopoly over such contracts, and in the presence of such giants, it was not an easy task for public or private sector companies from the developing world to bravely enter the market.

Today, the banking system, voter lists, and passports are all integrated with NADRA’s database.
“Ever since the successful execution of the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) project in Pakistan, we have been trying to leverage the experience to sell similar systems to different governments around the world. This is not only to generate valuable foreign exchange through knowledge-based exports but also to assist in enhancing the image of the country,” explains the chief.
Back in 2008, NADRA had just two months’ worth of employee salaries in its account. Now, its revenue amounts to several billion rupees. The body is one of the few government sector organisations self-reliant in financial matters.

Although Malik cannot share the exact income, he does state that 50 per cent of their revenue comes in from foreign projects.

Due to these external ventures, NADRA has been able to subsidise services for its own citizens.
“We have delivered over 30 million CNICs free of cost for Pakistani citizens who apply for CNIC for the first time,” says Malik jubilantly.

The winning bid

Sri Lanka expressed desire for international tenders for its computerized identity cards project back in 2007. NADRA’s bid was one of the most technically competent – almost half the price of the competitors.

However, the tender scrapped at that time. This year, the Sri Lankan government invited bids once again and NADRA was declared to be the successful bidder for the first phase.

Consequently, it will carry out the first of the threephase project, which amounts to 715 million in Sri Lankan rupees and is focused on the digitisation of legacy data of over 9 million forms.

According to Malik, NADRA, which has digitised over 150 million articles since its inception, has unmatched experience in digitization and by winning the first phase, it has an edge over competitors to acquire the next phases, too.

The organization will employ over 1,500 locals for the execution of its first project in Sri Lanka.
Organic growth

“The advantage that we have over global competitors is that NADRA does registration for living. Its system has evolved over the last decade and incorporates the new technologies and trends in the international markets,” says Malik.
Another advantage NADRA enjoys is the transfer of technology which the competition cannot offer.

Apart from civil registration solutions, the NADRA teams specialise in the development of machine readable passport solutions, integrated border management solutions, social safety net Solutions, biometric based G2P and P2P solutions, and making these systems cost effective.

“NADRA is the classic example of one of the many islands of excellence in this country,” maintains a confident Malik.

Express Tribune