NADRA’s sex offender register ‘illegal’

The Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday said that the National Sex Offender Register (NSOR) established unilaterally by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) did not carry the necessary legal backing.

In a statement, the ministry emphasised that any register aiming to serve as a tool for safeguarding communities and preventing sexual offenses must be established in consonance with the prescribed rules.

“In accordance with Section 24 of Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, the Ministry of Law and Justice, together with the special committee, is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the NSOR,” the statement added.

“It has come to our attention that the register is being unilaterally exercised without proper legal sanction,” it added.

The statement read that the NSOR could only be considered legal if it was established in full compliance with the applicable law and rules.

“As it stands, the current NSOR established by NADRA does not possess the necessary legal backing, which raises concerns about its efficacy and reliability.”

Stressing that the NSOR must be developed and maintained with proper legal oversight, the ministry said that it entailed adherence to the legislative framework outlined in the Anti-Rape Act, 2021, and following of the guidelines set forth by the law ministry.