NADRA to shutdown website, launch mobile app for services

Fraudulent elements aid in creating fake identification documents via fake websites, says Mohsin Naqvi.

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The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has decided to shut down its website and launch a mobile app instead.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced during a workshop that NADRA's Pak ID website will be shut down, and all services will be provided through the mobile app. Fraudulent elements assisted in creating fake identification documents via fake websites, obtaining citizens' personal information, and attempting to misuse it.

The NADRA website will be closed starting January 17.The Interior Minister further explained that citizens, particularly overseas Pakistanis, faced difficulties using the website. Issues such as scanning and uploading fingerprints and required documents were problematic.

The Ministry of Interior and Foreign Affairs have strictly noticed these fraudulent activities. NADRA, along with other agencies, is ensuring action against these elements.

The interior Minister mentioned that NADRA’s mobile app has been significantly improved. The app will offer all services, including national identity cards, NICOP, POC, B Form, FRC, and more. Citizens will be able to complete all the procedures for identification documents from home via the app.

According to Mohsin Naqvi, three new NADRA regional centres will also be established in Azad Jammu, Kashmir, Gwadar, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These new regional offices will begin operations on March 31. The establishment of these offices will facilitate easier communication between NADRA officials and citizens, improve service delivery in remote areas, and resolve issues quickly.

He also mentioned that NADRA offices still need to be established in 19 remaining tehsils across the country. Work is underway, and these offices will be operational by March 31.

Recently, online access to the NADRA systems, granted to the Police Department for real-time verification of people, is allegedly being misused by some officials, credible sources told The Express Tribune.

Sources said sensitive information from NADRA's verification system (Verisys), family tree data, and Criminal Record Office (CRO) has allegedly been exploited for personal gain.

Some officials are accused of providing restricted data to criminals, online scammers, and data brokers in exchange for bribes, compromising the system's integrity and endangering public security.

Previously, 24-hour passport counters have been set up at NADRA Mega Centres nationwide.

In compliance with the orders of Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, the Passport Department has established 10 passport processing counters at National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Mega Centres in Karachi's Nazimabad and Site areas, specifically at Siemens Chowrangi. Citizens can now avail of services at these counters around the clock.

According to Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director-General of Immigration and Passports, the 24-hour passport processing counters will be expanded nationwide. The Islamabad office has already been operating 24/7.