PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Nasir Khan Durrani has directed police officers to register cases against those involved in preparation of fake CNICs.

In a special circular issued from the central police office here on Tuesday, the police chief said that all the people who were found guilty of attesting relevant documents for CNICs would be charged under the relevant law.

Mr Durrani directed all the regional police officers (RPOs) and district police officers (DPOs) to take action on priority basis after thorough investigation so that the real culprits could be apprehended.

He also asked the officials to contact the relevant Nadra officials for availing necessary data for the purpose. He directed to keep the central police office informed about the matter on daily basis.

When contacted a police spokesman, Riaz Ahmed, told Dawn that the action would be taken against all the holders of fake CNICs and those involved in attestation of relevant documents for the purpose.

He said that there were reports that both the local people and foreigners had obtained about 76,000 fake CNICs, but added that the actual number could be ascertained after availing relevant data from Nadra. He said that all those involved in the illegal practice would be charged under the law.

The police spokesman said that sole purpose of the fake documents was to dodge the law enforcers.

Meanwhile, a source in Nadra pleading anonymity told this correspondent that the Afghans had also got the fake documents and thousands of them were abroad on Pakistani passports, but no action had been taken against them.

“The government has frequently announced to take action against the fake CNIC holders and their facilitators, but so far no practical step has been taken,” the official added, saying that basic reason of this leniency was involvement of influential government officials and political leaders in the illegal business.

The source claimed that many political leaders got prepared fake CNICs for Afghans who, in return, worked for their parties.

The source suggested that police should seek the data through ministry of interior.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2015

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