THIS is with reference to the article “Pakistan’s Kafkaesque identity problem” (EOS, Oct 6). The core objective of the National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) is to provide every Pakistani citizen as well as certain classes of non-nationals with legitimate identity documents, granting access to essential services. While challenges do arise and in some cases persist, Nadra has streamlined processes nationwide over the years, resulting in the coverage of over 98 per cent of adult population.

Nadra does acknowledge delays in issuing computerised national identity cards (CNICs) in certain cases, often due to rigorous procedures to ensure integrity of the database and to prevent identity fraud. While effort is made to mitigate delays, the complexities involved can extend the processing time.

In addition to staff trainings aimed at improving service quality, Nadra has made its services charter available in Urdu and English, outlining necessary documen-tation and alternative mechanisms to facilitate the people even before they come into contact with Nadra.

Besides, Nadra has a special focus on the registration of women, minorities and marginalised communities. People in remote areas face unique challenges in accessing Nadra services, and mobile registration units are systematically deployed to address their concerns.

Calling Nadra’s process a ‘bureaucratic red-tape’ oversimplifies the complexities of maintaining a secure and accurate national database. There are issues of delineated responsibilities between Nadra and provincial authorities. In order to achieve synergy between the federal and provincial registration systems, a draft National Registration and Biometrics Policy Framework is under consideration. Once approved, the framework will address all the exiting issues within the system.

Spokesperson, Nadra
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2024