The dangers of being a country where fake identifications are so easy to purchase are multiplied in an age of terrorism. Previously, the issue was one that could be swept under the carpet. Now, however, there is a very real possibility that militants could simply buy a new identity and further become impossible to trace. With passports also available for sale, this problem is given an international dimension. If the international community decides that Pakistani passports are no longer guaranteed authenticity, there is a possibility it could lead to further delays at airports for Pakistani passengers, who are already under a cloud of suspicion, or even the voiding of our passports altogether. International travel is partly based on trust, where other countries have to accept that the passports being presented are kosher. In Pakistan’s case, that trust may have evaporated.
Even at home, just about every activity we carry out is done on the basis of our identification, from opening a bank account to driving a car. If Pakistan hands out fake identifications, we will become a haven for drug smugglers looking to launder their money and criminals will be extremely hard to catch. Safeguards need to be put in place to ensure no official can hand out fake identification. Otherwise, identification handed out by the government will not be worth the paper it is written on.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
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@Pakistani bacha: "The Sun bashing as the whole world is doing after Information Minister’s briefing." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thats why you are still a baccha.
Wait for the decision of the British courts.
Even in the UK, it is possible to get fake IDs.. these IDs can be even 'real' as long as the price is high enough!!
It seems the pseudo intellectual claiming Pakistan to be haven for fakers had not seen the television the whole day and totally missed the table turning on The Sun, but juts got so impressed with GORA sahib that he started beating his own head against the wall.
Sadly we are so good at calling ourselves the "thieve" wonder if it makes some sort of achievement or they think they will be accepted by west for being few truthful people.
My advice to the one who wrote this piece to get his act together and do some The Sun bashing as the whole world is doing after Information Minister's briefing.
Pakistan as per India, regularly issus , passports and identity cards to anti-India militants and terrorists , with fictitious names , to protect their identity and facilitate their activities.
Very nice...
In a country, where the leaders buy fake degrees, just to get a seat in the Parliament, the window of expectations is very small...We cannot expect anything better than this.
Now, this is not something very new...its happening from years and years...yeah, its our fault... For the most part, current government is responsible....I am sure there is a big gang working behind this and those people cannot be touched coz they are big politicians.
anyway, how can we stop this?...its a contributed effort but, has to start from the top officials.
NADRA database is somewhat better then the previous system but, as seen in this news, there are holes...it can be easily manipulated from those who have access.
One option i can think of is to add DNA testing for each citizen and add that record to NADRA database...That will definitely help a lot to reduce corruption.
I really wish, that I am Proud to show my Pakistani passport at any international airport...but, not all wishes comes true.
The ease in acquiring fake travel and identity documents, along with the current Polio vaccination fiasco, may yet finally result in any holder of Pakistani Passport/travel documents being refused entry throughout the rest of the world!