The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has decided to close its website and launch a mobile application in its place.
Federal Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced during a workshop that NADRA’s Pak ID website will be closed and all services will be provided through the mobile application. Fraudulent elements helped create fake identification documents through fake websites, obtain personal information of citizens and attempt to misuse it.
The NADRA website will be closed from January 17. The Home Minister further explained that citizens, particularly overseas Pakistanis, faced difficulties in using the website. Issues such as scanning and uploading fingerprints and required documents were problematic.
The Ministry of the Interior and Foreign Affairs has taken strict note of these fraudulent activities. NADRA, along with other agencies, is ensuring action against these elements.
The Home Minister mentioned that the NADRA mobile application has been significantly improved. The app will offer all services including National Identity Cards, NICOP, POC, Form B, FRC and more. Citizens will be able to carry out all identification document procedures from home through the application.
According to Mohsin Naqvi, three new regional centers of NADRA will also be established in Azad Jammu, Kashmir, Gwadar and Gilgit-Baltistan. These new regional offices will begin operating on March 31. The establishment of these offices will facilitate communication between NADRA officials and citizens, improve service delivery in remote areas and resolve issues quickly.
He also mentioned that NADRA offices still need to be established in the remaining 19 tehsils across the country. Work is underway and these offices will be operational on March 31.
Recently, some officials are allegedly misusing online access to NADRA systems, given to the Police Department for real-time verification of people, credible sources told The Express PAkGazette.
Sources said confidential information from NADRA’s verification system (Verisys), family tree data and Criminal Records Office (CRO) has allegedly been exploited for personal gain.
Some officials are accused of providing restricted data to criminals, online scammers and data brokers in exchange for bribes, compromising the integrity of the system and endangering public safety.
Earlier, 24-hour passport counters were set up at NADRA Mega Centers across the country.
Pursuant to the orders of Federal Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Passport Department has set up 10 passport processing counters at National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mega centers in Nazimabad and Siege areas. Karachi, specifically at Siemens Chowrangi. Citizens can now use the services at these counters 24 hours a day.
According to Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General of Immigration and Passports, 24-hour passport processing counters will be expanded across the country. The Islamabad office has already been operational 24/7.
