IT is really heartening to see that National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is on the path of adopting latest technologies to facilitate its customers and also striving to prepare an error-free database.
The authority has reportedly launched an online system for renewal of Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and verification of family tree.
As regards online renewal of CNICs, this is a great initiative which should have been done much earlier while taking a clue from banks where credit/debit cards are automatically renewed after their expiry and sent to address of the account holders.
This customer friendly step will help address the issue of long queues outside NADRA centres and also contribute to curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Given the issue of fake identity cards, which has security implications, it had also become imperative to come up with a robust verification process.
Now responsibility rests with the people to fully utilise this online service and check details of their family members by sending an SMS on 8009. This will enable the authority purge its database of false entries and detect fake identity cards.
This system will also help the NADRA to check foreigners living illegally in Pakistan. We are confident that Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik, who has already served the organisation in past and is widely recognised for his contributions in digital world, will continue his efforts to upgrade NADRA systems with innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and make it a world class solution provider in all areas of homeland security.
It is also very important to purge black sheep from the organisation who in the past remained involved in issuance of fake identity cards. No laxity should be shown in this regard.
