Nadra's e-Sahulat project phase-II in March

After successful launch of the phase-1 of National Database and Registration Authority's (Nadra) e-Sahulat project in different areas of the country the authority is planning to expand this network to Karachi in March. The Phase-I of e-Sahulat was launched in February 2008, Nadra's official said adding the authority received positive response from the public and more than 2500 Nadra's outlets were franchised for providing facilities to general public.
The e-sahulat outlets were developed by Nadra with an aim at ensuring hassle free payment of utility bills through online facility operated by private sector entrepreneurs. These e-Sahulat outlets are deployed through out Pakistan with 60 percent in Punjab, 10 percent in Sindh, 7 percent in NWFP, 2 per cent in Balochistan and 21 per cent in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and adjoining areas. In major urban centres, as many as 1,060 outlets are operating in Lahore, followed by 729 in Multan and 642 in Islamabad, the official said.
Narda aims to expand the e-sahulat network in Karachi to facilitate the people of the largest city of the country in depositing their utility bills comfortably, he said. This facility is run by small entrepreneurs, who usually work long hours that facilitate the consumers to deposit their utility bills even after bank hours. They do not have to stand in queues for long during working hours and can deposit the bills at the time of their convenience. These outlets also provide pin for scratch cards and online verification (verisys).
Nadra e-Sahulat is particularly designed for low income areas to bring faster market access through an established channel by offering technology and business opportunities in rural areas as well as in cities. "Nadra e-Sahulat" will enable all concerned to operate as a "franchise" and provide services through their own personal computers.
The scheme provides a single platform for each citizen enabling use of multiple services through CNIC. The biggest advantage of e-Sahulat is its 24 hours availability. A finger matching system makes e-Sahulat an authentic package where transfer of fund is an extremely secure activity. A very strong encryption and authentication system has been used, which means that e-Sahulat can be deployed securely even over the Internet.