Nadra Proposes Fee Increase to Fund Network Expansion Amid Rising Demand
The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has proposed an increase in identity card fees to fund the expansion of its office network across Pakistan, as demand for identity services continues to surge. The recommendation came during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by Raja Khurram Nawaz, which addressed operational and accessibility issues within the authority.
Nadra Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar outlined the challenges faced by the agency, pointing out that 61 tehsils in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan still lack Nadra offices, leaving many citizens without convenient access to essential identification services. Despite efforts to open additional offices, long wait times remain common, indicating that expansion efforts alone have not yet alleviated the burden on the system.
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During his briefing, Afsar emphasized that funding constraints necessitate an increase in CNIC fees to sustain and expand Nadra’s operations. He noted that the fee structure has not changed since former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s executive order to make the first CNIC free. “We cannot expand Nadra offices without adjusting fees,” he stated, clarifying that Nadra relies on fees from CNIC renewals and new applications for operational revenue.
The suggestion of a fee increase, however, was met with concern from committee members who urged Nadra to explore alternative funding sources. Committee Chairman Nawaz voiced reservations about the affordability of CNICs for many Pakistanis, while Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary advocated for making the first CNIC free to ease access for all citizens.
Addressing security concerns, the committee highlighted ongoing challenges with fraudulent ID cards, including reports of fake CNICs held by Afghan nationals. Lt Gen Afsar assured the committee that Nadra monitors hundreds of cases daily to prevent data leaks and unauthorized CNIC issuances.
The meeting also featured a discussion on the accessibility of Nadra services in underserved areas. Committee members expressed frustration over the absence of Nadra facilities in newly created districts like Murree and Talagang. Additionally, member Agha Rafiullah raised the issue of the Bihari community’s unresolved identity concerns, warning that he would block government bills until the matter is addressed.
The reappointment of former Nadra official Munib Cheema, previously dismissed over data leaks, sparked further debate, with member Nabeel Gabol demanding stricter internal controls to maintain data security within the agency.
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