THIS refers to the letters ‘Vaccination and senior citizens’ (March 19). I would like to share my experience with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) in this regard.

I am over 90 years of age and thought it better to have myself and my wife registered before visiting any centre for vaccination due to our old age.

I sent my CNIC number through SMS to the designated 1166 service for the purpose, but was shocked to receive a reply telling me that the CNIC number “is incorrect”.

I got the CNIC number checked by my grandchildren and wrote them back that it was correct and I can send an image of the same. I received the same reply without any elaboration. I should be advised how I and my wife can get vaccinated.

Asim Sardar Muhammad Khan

Karachi

(2)

THIS refers to the letters ‘Vaccination blues’ (March 16) and ‘Vaccination and senior citizens’ (March 19). It is quite clear that the registration process of senior citizens through SMS helpline 1166 is meant only for the rich and the influential at least in Karachi.

Each time I attempt to have myself registered, I receive a computerised response in Urdu, saying that my CNIC number “is incorrect”. What a joke!

Perhaps the government’s intention is to delay the requests by senior citizens for a year or two in the hope that the problem might take care of itself with their demise.

Having worked for 32 years abroad, I have hardly ever utilised Pakistan government’s funds on my own or my dependents’ care and upbringing.

Even today, my own personal day-to-day needs are taken care of by my younger sister living in the United Sates who sends me an expense amount every month through online money transfer service.

I am sure if the government fixes a reasonable price for the imported vaccines at its disposal, my sister will be glad to pay for the amount just to see me alive for a few more years.

Zahid Islam

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2021