Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government decided on Thursday to formulate a national registration policy with the consensus of all provinces to ensure transparency and foolproof citizenship registration.
This decision was taken in a review meeting regarding NADRA, chaired by Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi.
The interior minister during the huddle stressedthe importance of authenticating identity cards and citizenship, saying that the consensus of all provinces is essential in this regard.
He added that the Union Council is the foundation of this process, and access to NADRA centers is crucial.
The new policy aims to prevent illegal registration of citizenship, which has led to the issuance of identity cards and passports to foreigners. The meeting also reviewed a plan to increase NADRA centers in six major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
Minister Naqvi also directed that the plan be finalised and implemented within the next few days to save people from unnecessary hassle and rush.
It was informed in the meeting that due to the interior minister's visits and measures taken, the waiting time has been reduced from 120 minutes to 75 minutes, and the minister directed to further reduce the time.
Currently, NADRA registration covers 85% of the total population. The meeting was attended by Secretary Interior Khurram Ali Agha, Chairman NADRA Lt. Gen. Muhammad Munir Afsar, and senior officers.
