Issuance of CNICs to foreigners: action taken against 50 officials, 3 centres shut down

Some 50 officials of National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) have been suspended over their alleged involvement in issuing fake Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) to foreigners from three different centers of the authority located in Karachi. According to sources, Chairman Nadra Usman Y. Mobin made a surprise visit of Karachi in order to verify the veracity of information regarding the involvement of large number of Nadra officials in corruption against the issuance of CNICs to the foreigners.
They said that the chairman during his visit to Nadra centers located in different areas of Karachi found that officials, working at these centers, were involved issuing CNICs to the foreigners against bribes. Taking notice of this, the Chairman ordered inquiry against 50 Nadra officials and closed three centers located at Aisha Manzil, New Karachi and Baldia Town.
When contacted, a Nadra official, on a condition of anonymity, confirmed the action taken by chairman Nadra during his surprise visit, saying that the chairman had received complaints regarding issuance of CNICs to foreigners against bribes. He said that chairman during his surprise visit was shocked to know that the complaints were authentic and Nadra staff was involved in the illegal activity. Upon this, the chairman took against the officials and suspended all official activities at three center; Aisha Manzil, New Karachi and Baldia Town.
To a question, he said that these centers were reportedly being used for the issuance of CNICs to the foreigners, particularly to Afghan nationals against bribe. Moreover, he said that it was premature to comment about the exact number of CNICs issued to Afghan nationals but it was for sure that huge number of fake CNICs had been issued during last few months He said that inquiry had now been initiated against 50 Nadra officers and added that if they were found guilty, they would be removed from service and cases would be registered against them.