November 16, 2002	Saturday	Ramazan 10, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 15: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has developed a database of 42 million people, including 25 million adults and 17 million minors, for issuance of computerized identity cards, says a press release issued on Friday.

In its current pursuit of issuing computerized cards, the authority has so far received 29.2 million applications from all over the country, out of which it has dispatched more than 18 million cards as of 1st week of November, through Pakistan post office.

Out of more than 18 million cards dispatched, some 16.5 million applicants have received their cards, which has been done in a record time of 18 months.

“It took the old registration department more than a decade to reach this figure. The primary aim of Nadra is to create an authentic database. In an environment where the previous registration system was flawed, correcting the entire system is an extremely difficult task, which has to be evolved through our own experience, as there is no other role model available in the world,” the press release said.

In a bid to provide swift and error-less service and to eliminate the effect of illiteracy besides speeding up the delivery of cards, Nadra is setting up Swift Registration Centres. “Some 27 such centres are operational throughout the country and more are in various stages of completion. These centres have delivered approximately 400,000 urgent ID cards so far.”

In general elections 2002, the authority produced and handed over all electoral rolls, comprising almost 72 million voters, printed on 32 million pages, well within the prescribed time.

“The Election Commission of Pakistan and other international observers, including European Union delegation, have appreciated Nadra’s efforts in this regard,” the press release said.