Sindh High Court slams NADRA for tampering with citizens’ records

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The Sindh High Court (SHC) has strongly criticised the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for tampering with citizens’ records, causing widespread distress.

The court also ordered NADRA to review the records of Muhammad Hussain, a retired employee, within 15 days, after his national identity card was blocked.

This order comes in response to a petition filed against the blocking of the retired employee’s national identity card.

A bench comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito heard the petition on Tuesday.

The petitioner’s lawyer argued that Muhammad Hussain’s identity card was blocked in 2021 and again in 2022.

NADRA claims that six individuals are listed in Hussain’s family tree, but he does not know these individuals and has already submitted an affidavit.

Due to the card being blocked, Hussain’s pension payments have been stopped, and the petitioner is seeking an order to unblock his identity card.

The court expressed strong displeasure with NADRA's handling of the case.

Justice Amjad Ali Sahito remarked, "The public is suffering due to NADRA’s mistakes. They are tampering with people's records themselves."

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar added, "Millions are troubled because of NADRA's errors, and they are forced to make rounds of the courts."

Justice Sahito further noted that 1.2 million passports were returned from Saudi Arabia, questioning NADRA's oversight.

He highlighted that directors and assistant directors at NADRA are often involved in record tampering, stating, "How can a person from another family be included in someone’s family tree? No wrongdoing can occur without the consent of NADRA officials."

The court stressed that Muhammad Hussain, a retired railway employee and a Pakistani citizen, should not have to provide any further proof of his identity.

The judges directed NADRA to resolve the issue within 15 days.