PESHAWAR, Dec 7: National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) plans to introduce birth certificates on the pattern of computerized national identity cards, said NWFP minister for religious affairs and social welfare Qari Roohullah Madani on Friday.

The minister was presiding over a meeting of the provincial commission for child welfare and development here on Friday.

The meeting took stock of the issuance of a notification by the provincial government in connection with the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance 2000, ensuring birth registration and awarding membership to NGOs genuinely engaged in child welfare activities.

The meeting, besides representatives of concerned federal and provincial ministries, was also attended by Zubaida Khatoon, CPO UNICEF, Dr Seemi Mehmud Jan, chairperson Save the Children Pakistan and representatives of Save the children, Sweden, SPARC, and other member NGOs.

The provincial minister while keeping the vital national requirements of child welfare and state development, directed the in-time birth registration and initiation of effective legislation.

He stressed the need for maintaining close liaison between local government, health, revenue and other departments in this regard, so that children born at health institutions and homes could be registered and birth certificates issued to the parents, on the spot.

He also asked the district government elected representative and media to play their part in this respect.

The meeting was told that Nadra had planned the issuance of birth certificates on the pattern of computerized national identity cards, which would soon be introduced.

Qari Madani also said that a transparent criteria be evolved for awarding membership of the commission to genuine NGOs and the issuance of the provincial government notification for implementing Juvenile Justice System Ordinance 2000 as soon as possible.

UNICEF CPO while speaking on the occasion appreciated the efforts of the provincial government for the welfare of children and assured full cooperation of her world body.

She said that the presence of strong leadership at the federal and provincial levels, and committed ministers, had made the task of giving a bright future to the children much easier.