ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali on Friday vowed he will not back down from his decision to re-verify the identity cards of all Pakistanis, and reiterated that he will ensure the mammoth task is completed in the next six months.

Responding to criticism that surfaced after he announced the move earlier this week, Nisar recalled how he went ahead with his SIM registration drive despite the obstacles.

"They said it was an impossible task and will cost a lot. But what is more important than the security of Pakistan?"

The minister said he had approved procedural and organisational changes in the National Database and Regulatory Authority (Nadra), which will ensure the process is completed efficiently. "To that end I have reduced the number of DGs in Nadra from 26 to 10."

Dawn editorial: CNIC re-verification

Nisar said the government will give two months to individuals with fake or illegal CNICs to come forward. "No action will be taken against those who voluntarily come forward," he said.

But after passage of this time, criminal action will be taken against those possessing fake identity cards.

The minister went on to say that Nadra officials who have issued fake NICs will also be given two months to voluntarily report their actions. "I guarantee no action will be taken against those who come forward on their own."

But after two months, those found guilty will be punished with at least seven years in prison. "I have already formulated a legal team, which will file criminal cases against officers guilty of illegally issuing NICs."

The minister had first made the announcement to re-verify all CNICs after the disclosure that Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour ostensibly held a fraudulently issued Pakistani identity card.

The minister said the fraudulent issuance of a CNIC to the terrorist leader sent the world the message that the Pakistani identity can be used by anyone, noting that this was against the country’s “strategic, security and national interests”.

“Let’s not send the message ... that the Pakistani ID is easily available to anyone who is willing to pay for it. Being a responsible state, we will ensure that the usage of CNIC by any alien is completely eliminated after this exercise,” he remarked.