PESHAWAR: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has initiated a major verification drive, issuing notices to 1,152 individuals suspected of holding Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) under questionable circumstances. The notices have been dispatched across various parts of the country, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as part of an effort to ensure the integrity of the national identity database.
Scope of the Verification Drive
According to official sources on Sunday, the list of notified individuals includes those whose citizenship status, family records, or other personal information have raised concerns for NADRA officials. The verification process also extends to some suspected Afghan refugees, whose identity documents are under scrutiny. Under the directives issued by NADRA's Regional Headquarters, all notified individuals have been instructed to appear before the relevant NADRA board within two weeks and provide documents to verify their identity.
Legal Framework and Compliance
The notices are based on the authority granted under the NADRA Ordinance 2000, which empowers the authority to verify and update identity records. Individuals who fail to comply with the notice may face suspension or cancellation of their CNICs. NADRA has emphasized that the drive aims to eliminate fraudulent identities and ensure that only eligible citizens hold valid CNICs.
Impact on Afghan Refugees
A significant portion of the verification targets suspected Afghan refugees who may have obtained Pakistani identity documents improperly. NADRA officials stated that the process will help identify individuals who are not Pakistani citizens but have managed to acquire CNICs, which could be used for voting, property transactions, and other legal purposes. This move aligns with the government's broader policy to regulate the status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Public Response and Next Steps
Community leaders in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have urged the notified individuals to cooperate with NADRA to avoid legal consequences. NADRA has set up special counters at its regional offices to facilitate the verification process. The authority has also warned that any attempts to submit forged documents will result in legal action under the Pakistan Penal Code.
