TO acquire identification documents such as CNIC and birth certificates, people approach officers of government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous bodies, banks and financial institutions for attestation of Nadra forms and related documents.

Moreover, documents like educational degrees and experience certificates are needed for various purposes such as employment, admission to educational institutions, preparation of domiciles, permanent residence certificates and passports.

It has been noted that this task is now more difficult for a common person as many institutions, including a large number of banks, PTCL, KESC, fertiliser and cement companies, have been privatised. Similarly, some institutions like NDFC, PICIC, Bankers Equity, ICP and RDFC have been abolished/liquidated or merged into private organisations.

As a matter of fact, after privatisation of these organisations, their officers do not have an authority to attest documents. This situation is expected to become worse as the government intends to privatise more organisations for better performance. As a result, the officers of such organisations will no more be authorised to attest documents. Rural areas will then be greatly affected because it will be a tough task locating a gazetted officer.

It is suggested that attestation powers may be given to all officers of big private institutions such as banks and financial institutions. To make things easier for the public, officers of renowned multinational companies and advocates should also be empowered to attest documents.

The government should look into the problem.

NISAR AHMED Karachi