ISLAMABAD – National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and Transparency International (TI) Pakistan Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for implementation of integrity pact.
Chairman NADRA, Tariq Malik, Chairman TI Sohail Muzaffar and Advisor TI Syed Adil Gilani signed the memorandum in a ceremony held at the NADRA headquarters. While speaking on the occasion, Tariq Malik termed this event a historic one for NADRA, and added that this pact would prove to be instrumental in supporting authority’s policy of zero-tolerance against corruption at all levels. He said, “We don’t only make identity documents but we exert ourselves in building trust and confidence of our people at both national and international levels. The best strategy to combat corruption is to set up systems, processes and framework in which it is impossible to be corrupt.”
He further added that over the years NADRA had taken a number of tangible measures in order to minimise corruption such as the ‘whistle-blower’ system which provided a platform to NADRA employees and the public in general to report any misconduct, abuse, fraud and inefficiency that they might encounter while having the option to remain anonymous. Furthermore in order to increase transparency related to ID-card processes, a system-generated SMS-tracking service was introduced through which citizens are constantly updated regarding the status of their application, ranging from the submission of documents to the actual printing of the card, he said. “Other than that, NADRA has also involved National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) along with its own ‘Vigilance Department’ to keep a stringent check on all possible malpractices and in order bring to book any delinquent elements,” he added. He view that now with TI’s involvement further transparency could be ensured in procurement and tender procedures in accordance with PPRA rules and international standards.
Also addressing on the occasion, TI Adviser Adil Gillani said TI-Pakistan was dedicated to curbing corruption at both national and international levels particularly in business dealings. He praised NADRA for its transparency and said TI considered NADRA to be a clean and corruption-free organization. Chairman TI Pakistan, Sohail Muzaffar thanked Tariq Malik for showing trust in TI and assured their all-out assistance in the future. Tariq Malik vowed to sustain maximum transparency in all processes of the organization with the help of TI’s expertise in the future.
Amongst signatories many other senior officers of NADRA also attended the ceremony.