The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has decided to shut down its website and launch a mobile app instead.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced during a workshop that NADRA’s Pak ID website will be shut down and all services will be provided through the mobile app. Fraudulent elements helped create fake identification documents through fake websites, obtain citizens’ personal information and try to misuse it.
The NADRA website will be closed from 17th January. The interior minister further explained that citizens, especially overseas Pakistanis, were facing problems in using the website. Issues such as scanning and uploading fingerprints and necessary documents were problematic.
The Ministry of the Interior and Foreign Affairs has closely noted these fraudulent activities. NADRA along with other agencies ensure action against these elements.
The Home Minister mentioned that NADRA’s mobile app has been significantly improved. The app will offer all services including National Identity Cards, NICOP, POC, B Form, FRC and more. Citizens will be able to complete all procedures for identification documents from home via the app.
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 issues quickly.
He also mentioned that NADRA offices are still to be established in 19 remaining tehsils across the country. Work is underway and these offices will be operational on March 31.
Recently, online access to the NADRA systems, given to the police department for real-time verification of persons, has been allegedly misused by some officials, reliable sources told The Express Pakinomist.
Sources said sensitive information from NADRA’s verification system (Verisys), family tree data and Criminal Record Office (CRO) has allegedly been exploited for personal gain.
Some officials are accused of providing restricted data to criminals, online fraudsters 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 nationwide.
In accordance with the orders of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the passport department has established 10 passport processing counters at National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Mega centers in Karachi’s Nazimabad and Site areas, specifically at Siemens Chowrangi. Citizens can now make use of services at these counters around the clock.
According to Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General of Immigration and Passports, the 24-hour passport processing counters will be expanded to the entire country. The Islamabad office has already been operating 24/7.
