KARACHI – Criminal elements have gained inside access to the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) and use it to make fake national identity cards, it has been learnt.
Sources in NADRA told Pakistan Today that a few staff members were in contact with agents involved in the business of forged identity cards, who charge huge amounts for making fake computerised national identity cards (CNICs).
Dozens of applications have been submitted at NADRA for inquiry against counterfeit identity cards, but officials are not willing to help in the investigation being carried out by police to combat persons involved in such business.
Recently, a person by the name of Asif Zia got himself fake ID card No 42301-8587677-1, showing Zia Ahmed Khan as his father and using his house address. However, there was no record in the computer data of NADRA.
When Pakistan Today contacted Khan, the Honorary Consulate General of Republic of Equatorial Guinea, he said he did not know Zia.
“I was shocked to know that he has shown me as his father and also used my address as his own home address,” he added.
Khan said he had submitted an application in this regard to NADRA General Manager Col (r) Ahsan on 6th May 2010, requesting the fake CNIC be cancelled immediately and an inquiry ordered to get hold of the culprits involved in such forgery. An FIR has also been lodged at the police station, he added.
NADRA Deputy General Manager Col (r) Aqeel, while talking to Pakistan Today, said that an application was received from Khan and investigation were underway.
NADRA Deputy Chairman Tariq Malik said that application of Khan was sent to the department concerned and the fake ID card would be cancelled after an inquiry.
The Gizri SIO told Pakistan Today that the police was facing hurdles due to non-cooperation of NADRA officials.
“We sent a letter to NADRA through the SP Investigations for details on forged ID cards but the management did not reply”, he said, adding that a reminder was also sent to NADRA on May 25, 2010.
Sources alleged that more that 15,000 fake ID cards have been issued, as staff members themselves are involved in this business.
I was shocked to know that he has shown me as his father and also used my address as his own home address
