SHEIKHUPURA, July 22: Scores of citizens seeking computerized national identity cards from the local swift centre have protested against the behaviour of Nadra officials.

When this scribe visited the swift centre, a large number of card-seekers were standing in the scorching heat as there was no shade in front of the office. The guard posted at the main gate did not allow anyone to see the man in charge of the office for redress of his grievance.

One of the card-seekers, Ikramullah of Nankana, complained that he had been visiting the office for the last two months to get his NIC, but to no avail. He alleged that the official concerned was demanding Rs1,000 for issuing him a card.

Similar views were expressed by an elderly woman of Shahkot, Hameeda Bibi.

Bashir Dogra of Narang Mandi said he had deposited extra fee to get his computerized identity card on an urgent basis some three months ago, but he had so far been unable to get the same as he did not grease the palms of the official concerned.

Another card-seeker Ashraf complained that not even cold drinking water was available at the office despite the hot season.

The complainants urged the Nadra chairman to remove the corrupt officials after holding an impartial inquiry against them and post efficient and honest staff in their place.