Self-immolation: Former NADRA staffer attempts suicide

Says he was sacked because he raised voice against illegal practices

PESHAWAR: Former employee of the National Database and Registration Authority and K-P president of the All Pakistan NADRA Employees Union Saleem Sherpao attempted to commit suicide through self-immolation on Saturday. He made the attempt after he was removed from service.

Talking to the media at Peshawar Press Club on Saturday, Saleem said NADRA had issued hundreds of CNICs to Afghans in the past. He also claimed that he and his fellow union members raised a voice against the illegal practice. However, many of them have been dismissed instead of being praised for their efforts.

“I was removed from service on the pretext that I was leading a protest against the high-ups of the authority,” Saleem said. “It is our constitutional right to form a union and raise a voice for our rights.”

He urged the government to reinstate all sacked employees and devise a service structure for their job security and promotions. During the press conference, he poured gasoline on himself and attempted to self-immolate. Others present in the hall rescued and rushed him to the hospital as his eyes and face were affected. His fellow union members said proofs of illegal ID card issuance have been forwarded to the higher authorities. They warned to launch a protest outside the National Assembly on October 5 if the government does not pay attention to their demands.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2015.