KARACHI, March 13: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has said that it is not mandatory for women to have their photograph on the computerised national identity card (CNIC).

Women unwilling to have their photograph taken can opt for ‘no photograph at all’, said Nadra in a statement issued here on Tuesday.

Nadra observed all moral and religious values while formulating any registration policy with regard to women, it said, adding that no Nadra employees at data acquisition units were allowed to ask female applicants to take off Hijab (veil) at the time of being photographed for the CNIC.

However, it should be ensured that the facial features of female applicants opting to be photographed were clear enough to serve the purpose of maintaining the central database, said the statement.

Nadra, however, advised female applicants to get their photograph captured as it would help them in various situations where a photograph is necessary, like applying for a passport.

It said if any female applicant was forced to remove Hijab, she should immediately bring the matter to the notice of Nadra.