THE government has decided to re-verify all CNICs. On the interior minister’s directives, Nadra authorities are busy with formulating a procedure how to do it.

This seems to be an unnecessary, hectic, time-wasting exercise for all those who possess genuine CNICs. When one applicant goes to a Nadra office for the issuance of a new CNIC, staff demands several supporting documents. Without these documents one may not get one’s CNIC. If there is incompetence in Nadra, why should citizens be punished?

Genuine CNIC card-holders should be sorted out by Nadra itself. Many card-holders have cards with old manually-issued NICs mentioned on CNICs.

At least they should be declared exempted from re-verification. If there is some mistake by Nadra, it is Nadra which should pay the price.

I request the authorities concerned to call for re-verification only the suspicious card-holders. This decision will save millions from going through the hassle at Nadra centres.

Dr Alfred Charles
Karachi

(2)

SOMEONE sent me an SMS wherein I was informed that by messaging the CNIC number on 8008, family members can be verified. I tried to check my family status first and then I informed my office colleagues about the facility. One of my colleagues asked me to try the same for him and his family from my mobile phone number.

I punched his CNIC number and I got all the details about his family and their personal information.

The authorities have done a good job but in my opinion this facility can be misused. Anyone can use your personal information for any ulterior purpose like theft, criminal activity etc.

I request NADRA authorities to take measures to ensure that this type of information should only be verified after recording the details of who is asking for this information.

Anjum Habib
Karachi

(3)

I CAME to know through a newspaper ad about the SMS ‘8008’ service for verification of CNIC details. This is a good step but in the current situation has serious security flaws as anyone who knows your CNIC number or has a photocopy of your CNIC can access your family’s details.

In the prevailing chaotic and unsafe environment, this flaw may lead to other security threats.

Therefore there should be a secret code, known only to the individual or the family head who can verify his or her registration details. I request the authorities to review their policy.

Nadeem Alam
Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2016