Irregularities in NADRA: Foreigners become Pakistani nationals

KARACHI: An investigative report by Geo News has revealed shocking details about gross irregularities committed by an official of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) allowing issuance of Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) to foreigners.

These foreigners who were issued CNICs included, among others, Indians and Afghan nationals. This way they were made Pakistan’s nationals who went further ahead getting themselves green passports and then traveled to other countries.

The Anti-Human Trafficking Circle of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted a raid at a NADRA office in Kemari, Karachi and apprehended its Deputy Director Registration, Abdul Qadeer.

Qadeer played a key role in getting Pakistani nationality to many foreigners including nationals of India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma and Iran. First, this official got these foreigners fake birth certificates from local union councils and Forms-B. Next, he included their names in the family trees of Pakistani nationals.

These foreigners then used the power of money and not only secured CNICs but also the green passports. Using these passports, they later traveled outside Pakistan.

The story doesn’t end here. The record room of the Special Branch, where sensitive information about foreigners’ movements is stored, is infested with mice. These mice have so far eaten up a number of files.

According to sources, NADRA has so far terminated over 120 staff members after horrific disclosures that pointed to serious irregularities. Lists of more such employees have also been finalised and preparations have been made for taking action against them.