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 the workshop that Pak ID NADRA website will be closed and all services will be provided through mobile application. Fraudulent elements helped in creating fake identification documents through fake websites, obtaining personal data of citizens and trying to misuse it. The NADRA website will be closed from January 17. The interior minister further explained that citizens, especially overseas Pakistanis, were facing problems using the web. Issues such as scanning and uploading fingerprints and required documents were problematic. The Ministry of Interior and Foreign Affairs has taken note of these fraudulent activities. NADRA along with other agencies provides measures against these elements. The Home Minister mentioned that the NADRA mobile application has been significantly improved. The app will offer all services including National ID Cards, NICOP, POC, Form B, FRC and more. Through the application, citizens will be able to complete all steps for the ID card from home. According to Mohsin Naqvi, three new NADRA regional centers will also be set up 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 yet to be set up in the remaining 19 buildings across the country. Work is underway and these offices will be open until March 31. Of late, the online access to NADRA systems granted to the police department for real-time identity verification is allegedly being misused by some officials, reliable sources told The Express Tribune. Sources said sensitive information from NADRA’s verification system (Verisys), pedigree data and Criminal Record Office (CRO) were allegedly misused for personal gain. Some officials are accused of providing restricted data to criminals, online fraudsters and data brokers in exchange for bribes, undermining the integrity of the system and endangering public safety. Earlier, 24-hour passport counters were set up at NADRA mega centers across the country. In accordance with the orders of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Passport Department has set up 10 passport processing counters at National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Mega Centers in Nazimabad and Karachi areas namely Siemens Chowrangi. Citizens can now use the services at these counters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. According to Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General of Immigration and Passports, 24-hour passport processing counters will be expanded across the country. The Islamabad office is now open 24/7.
