National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has activated the most modern, state of the art, Automated Finger Identification System (AFIS) to eliminate duplication and forgery of Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC). This system can check one fingerprint against 7 million fingerprints on Nadra's existing database in just one second.
According to the sources Nadra is introducing the AFIS to identify the citizens who managed to get more than one CNICs by fraudulent means.
Nadra will now be able to detect ghost applicants or recipients by using this technology and if anyone tries to get a duplicate or fake card will be detected through the AFIS.
Sources said that with the introduction of AFIS now Nadra is in a position to check all CNIC holders having more than one CNIC.
Sources said that possessing more than one CNIC is violation of the law thus citizens holding duplicate cards should surrender them forthwith. Nadra is likely to issue a warning to those who have attested wrong credentials of CNIC applicants and certain responsible could be awarded up to five years imprisonment and fine of Rs 100,000.
Sources said that the Automated Finger Identification System can effectively identify similarity in details of different features of the applicants at any stage. Even if its users attempt to get processed the fraudulent cases by ignoring the system, its in-built automation capabilities will refuse to accept the same.
Following very useful introduction of a number of the technology-based verification systems, National Database and Registration Authority has now activated the internationally used Automated Finger Identification System, which render the authority internal competence to deal with fraudulent cases in issuance of the Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs).
Effectiveness of the AFIS proved hundred percent when recently Nadra detected cases where the same applicants were issued more than one CNIC. In some cases the applicants had provided different details and in some cases very similar to their earlier applications.
Since thumb impression is recognised and proved as the most authentic source of identification of a person, Automated Finger Identification System is used extensively in the world-over.
This is a fact that there can be more than one person in the world with similar characteristics and body features ie similarity in face etc but thumb impression of a person can never match to another person.
Through this system, the sources said that fingerprints of all the citizens would be checked to make sure that no citizen posses more than one CNIC and if someone is found involved in this violation he would be liable to the punishment as per the Nadra ordinance.