Nadra to assist ECP in making error-free electoral rolls

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) will provide all possible assistance to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in making error-free and transparent electoral rolls.

Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik expressed these views while addressing a function in the Election Commission Secretariat. He added Nadra is taking steps on an emergency basis to close the gap of 10% unregistered women while Friday is reserved for women registration in all Nadra registration offices. “Women will be provided the first ID card at registration free of cost. A one-window counter for women will be set up in 688 Nadra registration offices across the country.

The number of Nadra mobile registration vans will also be increased in view of mobility issues in women's registration,” he noted. He explained that in remote areas, women will be registered at their doorsteps through mobile registration vans, whereas in order to increase the registration of women keeping in view the social barriers, Nadra offices based on women staff will be set up and jobs will be given to women on priority basis in Nadra, women's participation in the provision of employment will be ensured.

“Nadra offices have been set up in 430 tehsils of 154 districts across the country. New Nadra offices will be opened in 66 more tehsils by August 14. Nadra offices will be opened in the remaining tehsils soon,” he said.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja formally inaugurated the fourth phase of Women Identity Card/Voter Registration Campaign. The CEC said that today's function is a testament to the fact that the ECP is working to increase the participation of women in the political process.

Addressing the function, Nadra Chairman Tariq Malik said that Nadra is with the ECP in its efforts to reduce the gender gap in the voter lists and in this regard it is targeting 80 districts where the gap is more than 10%. At the ceremony, three women were also given their first ever identity cards and a radio awareness campaign on women's identity cards and voter registration was formally launched.