The National Assembly's standing committee on interior on Tuesday approved National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) Amendment Bill 2007, with the amendments pertaining to increase in punishment for illegal use of loudspeakers and issuance of fake CNICs.
The committee, which met here with Abdul Qadir Patel in the chair, approved the bill, proposing five years imprisonment to the persons and officials involved or helping the preparation of forged Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC). The parliamentary panel on interior recommended heavy penalty for the officials involved in this criminal activity along with removal from service and imprisonment.
The committee recommended Rs 100,000 penalty and termination from service for those found involved in issuing and seeking fake CNICs. Earlier, the Nadra had proposed 10-year jail for those who are involved in issuing and seeking fake CNICs. However, taking into account past experience on implementation of laws, the committee opined that it is of no use to increase punishment terms if the law is not implemented in letter and spirit.
The committee suggested increase in the punishment for illegal use of loudspeakers from one year to two years. MNAs Bushra Gohar, Waseem Khan and Sardar Bahadur Khan were of the view that use of loudspeakers at mosques should be banned. Some measures at this critical juncture are necessary to keep the law and order situation under control. The committee also recommended increase in punishment from two months to one year besides Rs 50,000 penalty for illegal use of loudspeakers.
The committee forwarded the Criminal (Amendment) Bill to the law ministry for further vetting. The bill was moved by Kashmala Tariq, seeking action against those jirgas or panchayats who give verdict for forced marriages of women for ending feuds between the two parties.