A newly established NADRA registration center in the remote village of Lakarmar, Attock district, is ready to serve thousands of residents but remains non-functional due to a political tug-of-war between local leaders. Despite equipment installed and staff positioned at the facility, the center has not started operations because PML-N and PPP leaders both want to claim credit by inaugurating it.
Background of the Center
According to local sources, the NADRA center was set up to address the long-standing demand of Lakarmar and surrounding villages. Residents previously had to travel 35 km to Jand or 45 km to Pindigheb for CNIC registration, B-Form issuance, and other NADRA services. The new center was expected to provide relief to a large rural population, including women, elderly citizens, and students who face transport and cost barriers.
Technical Readiness
Sources confirmed that all technical equipment, computers, biometric machines, and internet connectivity have been installed. Trained NADRA staff have also been posted and are present at the center daily. However, they remain idle as the facility is locked for public service.
Political Standoff
The delay stems from disagreement between leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party. Both parties claim they played the key role in approving and establishing the center. As a result, neither side is allowing NADRA authorities to start operations until their leader performs the official inauguration. This standoff has left the facility unused for weeks.
Expert Opinion
Legal and governance experts point out that such delays violate the spirit of public service. They argue that development projects should be opened for citizens immediately once completed, and inauguration ceremonies can be held later without stopping operations.
