The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has decided to shut down its website and launch a mobile application instead.
Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi announced at a workshop that NADRA’s Pak ID website would be closed and all services would be provided through the mobile application. Fraudulent elements have been involved in creating false identity documents through fake websites, obtaining personal information about citizens and attempting to misuse it.
The NADRA website will be closed from January 17. The interior minister further explained that citizens, especially overseas Pakistanis, were facing 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 strictly noted these fraudulent activities. NADRA, along with other agencies, is ensuring action against these elements.
The Home Minister said that the NADRA mobile application has been significantly improved. The app will offer all services including National ID Cards, NICOP, POC, B Form, FRC, etc. Citizens will be able to carry out all identification procedures from home via the application.
According to Mohsin Naqvi, three new NADRA regional centers will also be established in Azad Jammu, Kashmir, Gwadar and Gilgit-Baltistan. These new regional offices will begin operations on March 31. The establishment of these offices will facilitate communication between NADRA officials and citizens, improve service delivery in remote areas and resolve problems quickly.
He also mentioned that NADRA offices are yet to be established in remaining 19 tehsils across the country. Work is underway and these offices will be operational by March 31.
Recently, online access to NADRA systems, granted to the police department for real-time verification of people, was allegedly misused by some officials, credible sources told The Express PK Press Club.
Sources said sensitive information from NADRA’s verification system (Verisys), family tree data and the Criminal Record Office (CRO) was allegedly exploited for personal gain.
Some officials are accused of providing confidential data to criminals, online scammers and data brokers in exchange for bribes, thereby compromising the integrity of the system and endangering public safety.
Earlier, 24-hour passport counters were set up at NADRA Mega Centers nationwide.
As per the orders of Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, the Passport Department has established 10 passport processing counters at National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mega centers in Nazimabad and Karachi site areas, in particular to Siemens Chowrangi. Citizens can now benefit from 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 nationwide. The Islamabad office is already operating 24/7.
