Nadra official rejects involvement in issuing CNIC to 'Afghan Girl'

Published February 26, 2015
Nadra Hayatabad assistant deputy director Palwasha Afridi. — Dawn News screengrab
Nadra Hayatabad assistant deputy director Palwasha Afridi. — Dawn News screengrab

PESHAWAR: National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) official Palwasha Afridi on Thursday rejected her involvement in issuing Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) to famed Afghan woman Sharbat Bibi and two men who are said to be her sons, and demanded a proper inquiry into the matter.

Holding a press conference, Assistant Deputy Director Palwasha Afridi said her involvement in processing the CNICs to Sharbat Bibi and her two sons was falsely reported and circulated in the media.

Know more: Pakistan issues CNIC to Nat Geo's famed 'Afghan Girl'

"I wasn't in-charge of that Nadra registration centre [Hayatabad office],” she said, adding that despite knowing the facts, Nadra authorities had remained silent on the issue.

The Nadra data form clearly states the time, date of application and signature of the person in-charge. "No signature and Nadra system ID was tracked back to me," Afridi explained.

She said the ID and signature had been traced to Mohsin Ahsan, who had quit the job a while ago. However, Afridi did not disclose details of the investigation conducted into the matter.

She alleged that the authorities had failed to carry out a proper investigation into the matter.

Afridi also demanded of the Nadra chairman Usman Yusuf Mobeen to personally investigate the matter in order to fix responsibility.

Also read: Four Nadra officials suspended for issuing CNIC to McCurry's 'Afghan Girl'

After coming under fire for issuing CNICs to Sharbat Bibi and her alleged sons, Nadra on Wednesday suspended four officials stationed at its Hayatabad office, a source in the agency said.

The suspended persons played an active role in issuing the CNICs to the said persons. The official said Nadra also blocked the CNICs of Sharbat Bibi and the two men who are said to be her sons.

In 1984, Sharbat moved to Peshawar along with her two sons and since then, she has been residing in the Nasir Bagh camp established for Afghan refugees.

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