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ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has asked all citizens to get the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) before January 1, 2004 as all manual ID cards will expire after December-31, next month.

Speaking to Pakistan Times, the Director General [North] NADRA, Col. Shaukat Raza Butt said Sunday that those who have not applied for the Computerized National Identity Cards so far are ought to apply before December-1 so that they could get their CNICs before January 1, 2004.

The NADRA chief for Northern Region advised the citizens, all-over the country to get themselves registered latest by December-1, so that they could be provided with the CNICs before December-31.

NADRA having the capacity of producing 100,000 cards a day takes around 20-30 days for a normal application, while 8-15 days for an urgent one. NADRA, which started CNICs from October 2001, has issued over 32 million CNICs in a short span of two years.

New Cards for Fixed Period

The old identity card (ID) was a one time card, while the new CNIC is valid for a fixed period. To keep the database updated, the card expires after a certain period and the person has to apply again with current particulars and photograph so that his facial changes can also be incorporated.

32.13M Applicants

NADRA, Col. Shaukat aired, had received approximately 32.13 million applications for the CNIC till third week of October, out of which approximately 31.13 million CNICs had been produced while the rest were passing through different distribution channels.

NADRA has been continuously informing the citizens that CNIC is mandatory for passport and other legal documentary requirements. It would also be a pre-requisite for acquiring all basic facilities like electricity, telephone connection and bank accounts after December 31. All NADRA Swift Registration Centers (NSRCs) are entertaining more applicants than capacity just to facilitate them.

147 NSRCs

A total of 147 NSRCs are working throughout the country including one in Azad Kashmir and this number is to be enhanced shortly. Besides these swift centers, around 220 Sub Divisional Registration offices and 120 Divisional Registration Offices are also accepting manually filled application forms.

Call 111-786-100 for any Query

NADRA has advised the citizens to call on 111-786-100 and confirm the status of their cards before visiting the Central Distribution Centers. It would save the customers from undertaking unnecessary visits.

It has further advised the old applicants to call NADRA call centers or visit NSRCs to have their data submitted electronically so that their CNICs are also prepared before December-31.

The long queues were made at these centers ensure applicants appearance on their designated numbers and eliminate VIP treatment to any special case.

Online Verification System for new Passport-Seekers Sets off

Passport offices across the country have obtained NADRA's online verification system to verify the credentials of the applicants for new passports.

According to sources Interior Minister Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat has ordered National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) to provide online verification service to the passport offices for smooth functioning.

Around 28 passport offices in the country have been connected with the NADRA's database, which will help to overcome issuance of passports to aliens & travel on fake documents. Database system ensures that no one-Pakistani can obtain any illegal national document like, ID cards and passport.

A plan for verification of passport applicant's particulars from NADRA's database is a one step ahead in the policy of making the CNICs mandatory for the passports. Now any citizen who does not possess computerized National Identity Card will not be able to get the passport.

Online identity verification service enables the Passport officials to register and verify the applicants on the spot using web-based application. The information provided by VERISYS is based upon Front and Back Image of CNIC. Additional Information to verify the person can be sought by asking questions like Mother's Maiden Name, Father's place of birth and Wife's name.

Ministry of Interior in a bid to curb traveling on fake Pakistani passport, has taken this initiative inline with Government policy to accord due importance to the Green Passport.

Fake Travel Documents

The fake travel documents have already brought enough embarrassment to the country and the travel mafia has created a lot of miseries for the people who are either languishing in jails in foreign countries or living a pathetic life being an illegal alien.

The Interior Ministry seriously considered the issue following appearance of a news report regarding killing of about 26 Pakistanis in Turkey and Greece while entering Europe illegally in September this year.

A report regarding 20,000 non-Pakistanis performing Hajj last year on Pakistani quota also played an important role in this decision, the sources added.

The human trafficking, which has already put the Pakistani travelers on watch list of European and US Airport authorities, can be curbed by adopting International Standards while issuing travel documents. These measures will not only elevate the status of Green Passport worldwide but would provide relief to genuine Pakistani travelers.