The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) chief has informed a National Assembly panel that fees for identity cards will need to increase. It will increase if authority opens more offices. During a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior, Lt General Munir Afsar, Nadra Chairman, explained that there are no offices in 61 tehsils across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Currently, the authority operates 26 National Registration Centres (NRCs) and three mega NRCs in Karachi. Nadra plans to open one more NRC and four additional mega NRCs in Karachi next year, expanding its network to better serve the public.
Data Breach and Security Concerns
Lt Gen Afsar also addressed concerns regarding the security of Nadra’s infrastructure. He revealed that the agency monitors hundreds of individuals daily to prevent data leaks and unauthorized identity card issuances.
In a significant development, Afsar confirmed that six Nadra employees, including a grade-19 officer, were dismissed over their involvement in a data breach that affected 2.7 million citizens. This breach occurred between 2019 and 2023, compromising personal data.
A joint investigation team, formed in March to probe the incident, found that Nadra officers in Karachi, Multan, and Peshawar were involved in the data theft. Over the past five years, Nadra has dismissed 202 hired employees and 60 officers in total for various offenses, including data breaches.
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Nadra’s Growing Revenue
Despite the challenges, Nadra has shown impressive financial growth. The authority’s revenue has increased from Rs23.55 billion in 2019-20 to Rs57 billion in 2023-24. This growth reflects the increasing demand for Nadra’s services, as the agency continues to play a crucial role in identity registration and data security.
FIA and Human Smuggling Investigation
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) also briefed the committee on recent human smuggling networks. FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaque Jehangir said smugglers in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi are luring people with promises of overseas jobs.
The investigation is ongoing and expected to conclude in six to seven months. The FIA is working with law enforcement in Romania to gather more information.
Child Rape Cases in Punjab
The committee discussed the rise in rape cases involving minors in Punjab. The Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Punjab police reported 8,306 such cases from 2020 to 2024. Of these, 6,950 suspects were arrested.
The report also mentioned 299 convictions, 1,736 acquittals, and 1,088 discharges. Currently, 3,827 cases are still under trial.
Discussion on New Criminal Law Bill
The committee reviewed the proposed Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Members recommended adding a clause to allow filing FIRs against Discos and employees involved in overbilling.
They also emphasized the need for the bill to define electricity usage and theft slabs for different users, including residential, commercial, and industrial. This would help clarify the law’s scope.
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