ISLAMABAD: The National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) has refused to entertain an application filed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, seeking change of director general of the organisation.

Mr Khan had formally written to the newly appointed Nadra chairman Usman Mobin, asking him to post out his DG of database, Muzaffar Ali, from his current position.

In the letter, Mr Khan had claimed that the DG concerned was under “immense pressure regarding checking of the thumb impressions of votes in NA-122 case which can adversely affect the ongoing verification process”.

The PTI chairman further said that by holding such an important position within Nadra, Mr Ali could influence the outcome of the checking of votes and “he should be immediately replaced with some unbiased officer who holds a blameless record”.

In the letter, Mr Khan also referred to the March 4 orders of the election tribunal in which Nadra was directed to complete the verification of the thumb impression in an impartial manner. Therefore, “the Nadra chairman should personally supervise the investigation”.

In response to the PTI chairman’s plea, Nadra chairman in a letter said: “The authority understands that verification exercise performed under the directions of the election tribunals, is critical in nature and thus we try to our best to ensure that SOPs are followed by all concerned working on this project.”

The Nadra chairman further said: “Mr Ali has been the DG of national database since 2007 and has been involved in all election tribunals-related verifications since general elections 2013 and with his team he has produced 38 reports so far. Previously there have not been any objections to his role.”

In his concluding remarks, the chairman said: “We have carefully examined your request and appreciate your concerns. We would like you to provide evidence or proofs so that we are able to take necessary actions in this matter.”

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2015

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