TAXILA: Blocked computerized national identity cards (CNICs) during re-verification campaign have created identity crisis for hundreds of Pakhtun families.

This was stated by former governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Shaukatullah Khan while talking to newsmen on Monday.

He termed the step unjustified as it had affected genuine citizens of not only Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

He said mostly victims were IDPs who suffered a lot during ongoing operation against the militants.

He was of the view that due to blockade of CNICs many could not perform Haj this year as it was not possible for them to get a passport without a valid CNIC.

Mr Khan said it had restricted the movement of people in KP and Fata because they were often suspected as Afghan refugees by security personnel posted at check posts as well as entry and exit points in their areas.

He urged the federal government and National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to resolve the issue on priority basis.

Responding to a question, the former governor said that Pakhtuns were loyal to the country and no person or institution could deprive them of the right of CNIC.

He said holding CNIC was the constitutional right of Pakhtuns and blocking national identity cards was illegal.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2017