Attestation

Obtaining a CNIC, passport, admission in universities, purchasing of assets, securing a job and many other such basic tasks are made excessively tedious due to the numerous formalities that have to be fulfilled by the incumbent. The required attestation of necessary documents is particularly cumbersome. These attestations can only be performed by a government officer who must be Grade-16 and above or officers of nationalized banks and other public sector financial institutions. It was not so difficult when a large number of public sector organizations were available and their officers empowered to attest such documents. Over the last 15 years, several public-sector institutions have been privatized. By virtue of this situation, the officers of these institutions are not able to authorize or facilitate any citizen. As a result it is increasingly difficult for many to get their documents attested in a timely fashion, causing considerable distress especially to those in great urgency.

The general public is faced with the onerous task of locating government officers for this petty issue. Moreover, the situation in the rural areas of our country is further complicated as the tracing of gazetted officers is an even more arduous task. It is suggested, in the interest of the public, that attestation powers be restored to officers of all banks and financial institutions as they are more capable and responsible as compared to government officers.

Nisar Ahmed

Karachi