National identity card is a sensitive and important document that is linked directly to national security
ISLAMABAD:
In a move with implications for national security and identity management, the Senate Standing Committee on Home Affairs has approved a major amendment authorizing the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block the national identity cards of suspicious individuals for up to 60 days.
The bill, which was tabled by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, was cleared by the committee and will now be tabled in the upcoming Senate session for final approval.
The proposed change aims to address critical operational gaps in dealing with misuse of identity documents and individuals evading legal control.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the national identity card is a sensitive and important document that is directly linked to national security.
Officials maintained that the abuse poses serious risks not only to security but also to the country’s economy. They claimed that in the absence of a clear legal framework, NADRA has been facing serious operational hurdles in taking timely action against suspicious cases.
The ministry further stated that criminal elements often take advantage of legal loopholes to avoid action, deliberately avoiding legal proceedings rather than presenting their position to the authorities.
Under the proposed amendment, NADRA will be empowered to temporarily freeze the identity cards of such persons for up to 60 days, allowing the authorities to carry out necessary verification and legal processes.
