This refers to the letter ‘The ordeal goes on’ (February 2, 2024) by Hasan Afzaal. As a matter of public concern, the writer’s account of his brush with NADRA and its refusal to renew his spouse’s CNIC needs to be taken seriously. The initial issuance of the CNIC is itself proof of citizenship. It is open for NADRA to take action against a CNIC-holder only after following the lawful procedure commencing from issuance of notice along with reasons for its contemplated action and provision of opportunity to the CNIC-holder to put forth his/her version.
This reader in his own case, as well as that of a close relative, was subjected to much oppressive treatment, with NADRA questioning our valid citizenship documents at the time of CNIC renewal. It is wrong for NADRA to question the citizenship status of every person born abroad who applies for renewal of CNIC.
SAS Shah
Lahore