Smart cards: NADRA to facilitate AIOU in registration, financial transactions

ISLAMABAD:

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will facilitate about 1.3 million Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) students in their financial transactions and data management using smart cards.

An understanding was reached during a meeting held on Friday between NADRA Chairman Muhammad Tariq Malik and AIOU Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Nazir Ahmed Sangi where both sides agreed that the process should commence right away. A team will soon begin analysing the data already available with the university.

This exercise will be completed within two weeks and the two sides will sign a formal memorandum of understanding to finalise the details for fast-track implementation of the proposed project.

According to Malik, students could immediately be issued smart cards through NADRA’s network of 572 offices across the country. “Pakistan needs an education emergency and NADRA
will walk the extra mile to help institutions which
ask us for assistance” he added.

These cards — issued on subsidised rates, will help the students for online communication with the university regarding fee deposits, examination and issuance of degrees. The VC briefed the meeting about the existing facilities extended to the students through various schemes like earn-to-learn, educate-a-child and Students Support Fund Programme. He said the university is also strengthening its technology-based system to provide flawless accessibility and impart quality education in every nook and corner of the country.

Other officials of AIOU and NADRA were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2013.