ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is all set to be empowered to block citizens’ Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) for 60 days under a proposed amendment in the law.
Interior ministry cites security risks and legal gaps as the proposed amendment will empower NADRA to act against misuse of the identity cards.
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Friday approved a key government bill, allowing the National Database and Registration Authority to block a citizen’s identity card for up to 60 days.
CNIC a sensitive document
The draft bill is to be presented at the next Senate session for final approval. The Ministry of Interior said the identity card is a sensitive document linked to national security, and its misuse poses a threat to both security and the economy.
It viewed that the absence of proper legislation caused serious operational difficulties for the NADRA adding criminal elements evade legal proceedings through various pretexts and avoid presenting their position before the authority.
Under the amendment, Nadra is empowered to block the identity card of any individual.
