'Govt tightens CNIC, passport issuance rules'

Tarar informs NA Afghans face three-tier scrutiny

ISLAMABAD:

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar informed the lower house of parliament on Thursday that stringent data verification measures are in place to prevent the issuance of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and passports to non-Pakistanis.

His comments were in response to concerns raised by Member National Assembly (MNA) Sehar Kamran and MNA Noor Alam Khan regarding the alleged illegal issuance of Pakistani CNICs and passports to Afghan nationals.

Tarar emphasized that new scanners and advanced machines have been installed at passport offices nationwide, enhancing the verification process.

He explained that Afghan nationals undergo a three-tier scrutiny for passport applications, which includes mandatory attestation from a gazetted officer, re-verification of the attestation issuing authority, and final data confirmation through the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) database maintained by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). In addition to passports, the minister said that NADRA's data is meticulously checked to ensure accuracy and prevent misuse.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is conducting thorough investigations into the issuance of CNICs to non-Pakistanis.

Tarar encouraged those with information about illegal activities or private rackets to share their findings with the relevant authorities for appropriate action.

"Verification steps have been increased, and every document is meticulously verified. Applicants must provide proof of residence," he stated, highlighting that NADRA has one of the most technologically advanced databases.

He added that many departments utilize NADRA data for face verification and other confirmations.

Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq acknowledged previous lapses involving NADRA officials who were arrested and expressed hope that such issues would not occur again.