THIS refers to the letter ‘The city by the sea is as cool as ever’ (Feb 16). It was heartening to read a wonderful letter by an overseas Pakistani who visited the homeland after 22 years. The writer mentioned so many positive aspects about Karachi, such as, airport pickup, efficient check-in at the hotel, amazing view of Sharea Faisal and the Quaid-i-Azam House, new franchises, sizzling food outlets, infrastructure development, high-rise buildings, his alma mater, Edhi headquarters, pleasant counter staff, etc. Perhaps the only hiccup he faced was his experience at the office of the National Database and Regulatory Authority (Nadra) where he had gone to have his National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) renewed.

This reminds me of my letter ‘Nadra policy and Nicop’ on the same subject exactly five years ago. I had mentioned the dilemma of my cousin, an overseas Pakistani, who wanted to have his Nicop renewed, but had no blood relative in Pakistan.

Within a day of publication of the said letter, the relevant official informed the readers through these columns that the interior minister had taken notice of the issue and had directed Nadra to resolve the issue on a priority basis.

Needless to mention, the matter was resolved and the Nicop was delivered within a few days. I wish the writer all the best.

Syed Jawaid Iqbal
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2022