Data of 2.7m Pakistanis stolen in past: NADRA

NA panel confronts NADRA over data theft

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Interior has been informed that data for 2.7 million Pakistanis had been stolen in previous years, prompting dismissals of implicated NADRA officials.

NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Munir Afsar briefed the committee, revealing that a Grade 19 officer and five others were dismissed after investigations unearthed security breaches and internal collusion.

Some officials also colluded in issuing identity cards to Afghan nationals.

The committee, chaired by Raja Khurram Nawaz, held its session on Tuesday, where Afsar briefed members and responded to their questions.

Committee member Agha Rafiullah raised concerns about NADRA's accountability, claiming, "2.7 million people's data was stolen, yet those involved remain part of the department and have even been promoted."

Afsar clarified that the breach led to the dismissal of six officers, including one in Grade 19.

He explained that NADRA still faces operational limitations, with 61 tehsils—largely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan—lacking local offices.

When committee member Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry inquired about Afghan nationals acquiring fake ID cards, Afsar responded that NADRA had already blocked 150,000 such cards.

He explained that adjustments to identification requirements under previous governments enabled some Afghans to obtain ID cards through collusion.

Moreover, Agha Rafiullah expressed frustration over the slow resolution of issues faced by Pakistan's Bihari community, urging the committee to expedite reforms.

He stated, "These individuals came here under the banner of the Kalma, yet we fail to recognise them with formal identification. Imagine if your children couldn't attend school or secure jobs."

The chairman also highlighted NADRA's budget constraints, stating that "87% of our budget, which stands at Rs57 billion, goes to salaries" and that NADRA has about 240 operational vans, with plans to procure 90 more.

"Of these, 75 vans will have satellite connectivity, with 35 dedicated to Quetta and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," he added. He noted that the cost per ID card stands at Rs1,200, and for the first time, NADRA will issue ID cards without charging citizens.

During the session, Zartaj Gul Wazir raised concerns over new hires at NADRA under the caretaker government and questioned the dismissal of officers due to security issues and incomplete qualifications.

The chairman clarified that recruitment was strictly under NADRA's authority, with the government only appointing the NADRA chairman.

Nabeel Gabol also questioned reports regarding a NADRA official, Muneeb Ashraf Cheema, to which Afsar assured that all audit queries were addressed.

Discussions also covered amendments to the 3 MPO and 16 MPO laws, with the Ministry of Interior opposing any changes.

Agha Rafiullah highlighted that "even Quaid-e-Azam opposed such laws during British rule".

Meanwhile, during discussions on electricity theft, the secretary of the Power Division briefed the committee on the authority granted to police.