November 28, 2002	Thursday	Ramazan 22, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 27: Abdul Qayum, a driver working with a private car rental company, was very excited when he received his computerised National Identity card from the National database registration authority (Nadra) after a long wait.

But, his euphoria was dampened when he was made to have a close look at the card and found out that, instead of his name, the card was in the name of his father.

So, according to the computerised card, which he received with his picture printed on it and his signatures very clearly imprinted underneath the name of the card holder is ‘Abdur Razaq,’ sex ‘male’, and the parentage also ‘Abdur Razaq’ with no identity mark while the signatures in clearly legible handwriting underneath the photograph is ‘Abdul Qayum’.

He was so happy when he received the card through mail and was too eager to flash it in front of his colleagues in office. Everybody around was admiring the beauty of the thick plastic card which does not need any further plastic coating and looks so impressive.

Then, one of the colleagues noticed the ‘mistake’ and poor Abdul Qayum, who moments ago was so proud to be in possession of the new computerised card, all of a sudden became a laughing stock and was utterly embarrassed for no folly of his. He immediately decided to skip the company. Now, the poor fellow once again picked up the form, which was delivered along with the new ‘faulty’ card, filled up the relevant columns and reached the Nadra office.

The gentleman whom Abdul Qayum approached told him that it might take another couple of months before he might receive the ‘corrected card.’ But, he needs the identity card urgently. There is no mention in the form as to how long it will take to correct the mistake and deliver the new card. And, he is required to attach the computerised ID card with the application. What if he may need it in emergency sometime before the corrected card is delivered to him? He is a driver and needs to travel to all parts of the country on a very short notice.

The fact that this is not one of those isolated cases spotted over the months since Nadra started distributing these new computerised identity cards. There are too many of such mistakes. It was only last month that Dawn highlighted another such ‘mistake’ by the Nadra staff. And as ‘advised’ by it at that time most certainly Abdul Qayum will also approach the Nadra help line 111-162-372 and may not be required to pay any extra charges as well. But what about all the anxiety he has already suffered.

And what about ‘preventing mistakes’ then ‘correcting mistakes’!