ISLAMABAD - Taking notice of thousands of blocked CNICs that were marked by National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) as suspect cases, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Friday directed the authority to expedite the process of their verification through joint verification committees (JVCs).
A statement issued by NADRA says that Joint Verification Committees (JVCs) constituted at sub-divisional level by respective provincial governments will carry out the verification process of doubtful/suspect cases of CNICs (computerized national identity card). The primary function JVCs is to scrutinise and verify CNIC cases falling in suspect category so that no alien or illegal migrants can enjoy undue privilege by obtaining Pakistan's identity card (CNIC) through fake documentation.
In Punjab, Sindh and KP provinces, the Joint Verification Committees consist of representatives from IB, ISI and Special Branch, while in Baluchistan they comprise assistant commissioner and representatives from IB, ISI, MI and Special Branch. In all provinces, the JVCs are working on verification and scrutiny of suspect CNIC cases.
The spokesman of NADRA stated in a statement, "NADRA refers all such doubtful/suspect registration cases to JVC of respective sub-division. The JVCs are incumbent to submit report within fifteen days after receiving such cases from NADRA. Whereas NADRA is supposed to submit requisite documents of such suspect or doubtful cases to JVCs. The JVCs are empowered to recommend punitive actions if evidences are found against NADRA officials involved in illegal activity to NADRA Headquarter. The JVCs also intimate the update to superior offices including Home departments of respective provinces." On the directives of interior minister, NADRA is ready to take punitive action against the people involved in fake attestations. The cases will be registered against fake attestations. The minister has also directed to refer the cases of confirmed aliens to FIA for prosecution as per law of land, the statement said.