Identity crisis: MQM demands explanation for delays in issuing NIC to its chief

It has been five weeks since Altaf Hussain submitted the application for an identity card.

KARACHI:

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has demanded the government and officials of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to explain why its leader, Altaf Hussain, is not being issued a Pakistani identity card.

"It is the basic right of every citizen to acquire an identity card," said Haider Abbas Rizvi at a press conference held at the Khursheed Begum Secretariat on Tuesday. "Why is Altaf Hussain being denied that right?" he questioned angrily.

Rizvi waved copies of the receipt of the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) they had received upon submission of the application, adding that Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan, had confirmed receiving it.

The MQM leader said that it had been five weeks since Altaf had applied for the identity card. He pointed out that the foreign office spokesperson, Tasnim Aslam, had confirmed receiving a request for Altaf Hussain's passport last month.

"If such treatment is being meted out to the leader of a party, one has to wonder how common citizens are being treated." He asked the interior minister, Chaudhry Nisar, and the NADRA chairperson to explain the reason behind the non-issuance of the card.

Regarding the finger-printing and picture-taking process conducted at Altaf's residence, he said that NADRA had stated on its website that its officials could visit a person's house for the procedures if the applicant was unable to visit its office.

"This is a facility for a common Pakistani and has not been especially made for Altaf Hussain," said Rizvi. "What was the fault of the poor employees who served Altaf Hussain on the orders of Wajid Shamsul Hasan, and who were later suspended and called back to Pakistan." He demanded that the employees be reinstated immediately.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2014.