NOWSHERA, Oct 1: The Federal Investigation Agency arrested an assistant director and two other officials of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) in a midnight raid here on Friday in a case of over 2,000 stolen computerised national identity cards (CNICs).

Official sources told Dawn on Saturday that assistant director Qaiser Khan, security guard Riaz and sweeper Ijaz had been arrested by the FIA for investigation concerning the 2,675 missing CNICs, which were reportedly stolen from the Nadra district office last month.

An employee of Nadra who requested not to be named said that the thieves did not touch the Rs250,000 cash, computers and other machines and items lying in the office on the night of the robbery.

Police sources claimed that the missing cards had been issued to Afghan nationals and the theft drama was staged to hide irregularities in the office.

PPP RIFT: Pakistan People's Party leader Haji Azizullah Jan has resigned from the membership of party's provincial organising committee over differences with the provincial leadership.

When contacted, Mr Jan confirmed he had sent his resignation to PPP provincial president Zahir Shah.

The PPP leader said that he resigned from the council as its meeting had not been held for the last 10 years.