ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, presiding over a review meeting on Thursday regarding the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA), directed the formulation of a National Registration Policy.
During the meeting, the minister emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the authenticity of identity cards and citizenship. He stressed the need for a comprehensive policy to address this issue effectively.
Minister Naqvi also urged the development of consensus among all provinces on this policy, highlighting the foundational role of union councils and the necessity of NADRA’s access to them.
He emphasized that the policy aims to enhance the transparency and reliability of citizen registration while preventing the illegal registration of citizenship, which has led to concerns regarding the issuance of identity cards and passports to foreigners.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed plans to increase NADRA centers in six major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and now Multan. The Interior Minister stressed the importance of finalizing and implementing these plans promptly to alleviate unnecessary rush and inconvenience for the public.
Furthermore, Minister Naqvi directed the initiation of NADRA counters in service centers to enhance convenience for citizens.
During a briefing, Minister Naqvi was informed that the Home Minister’s visits and subsequent measures had reduced the waiting time from 120 minutes to 75 minutes. However, he directed further measures to reduce waiting times.
The meeting also learned that NADRA registration currently covers 85% of the total population. Secretary Interior Khurram Ali Agha, Chairman NADRA Lieutenant General Mohammad Munir Afsar, and senior officers also participated in the meeting, underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance registration processes and services.
