TAXILA: The inauguration ceremony of National Database and Registration Authority’s (Nadra) new centre was held in Taxila, wherein special passport and arms licence desks will be set up.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan said: “The initial inquiry report of the recent Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane crash in Karachi, will be made accessible to the public by June 22.

“A detailed probe report will be made public in four to six months. We are striving for a transparent, fair and impartial inquiry, into the regrettable incident. We realise the sorrow of affected families.

“The government will also compensate those who lost their lives during rescue work at the place of the incident.”

Responding to a question, he said that the operation to bring back 34,000 Pakistanis stranded abroad, will continue till June 10 as international flight operations had been disturbed due to coronavirus and international travel restrictions, imposed across the globe.

“The government is taking every possible measure to facilitate masses in the prevailing situation of Covid-19.

“The government realises the severity of economic and financial problems of the masses, especially the poor and working class and all out steps are being taken to overcome the threats arising out of this pandemic. Masses should lend their due cooperation with regard to imposition of the government’s decisions to impede the spread of coronavirus. Standard operating procedures have been issued to safeguard the lives of citizens and it is their responsibility to follow them,” Mr Khan said, adding that he was working towards providing the facility of a full-fledged passport office to the people of Taxila and Wah.

He also announced that a Nadra centre would be set up in Chakri, at the earliest to facilitate the public at their doorstep.

“In the wake of coronavirus, as many as 13,000 needy persons have been provided financial assistance in Taxila on merit, without any discrimination. Furthermore, development projects worth Rs5 billion are being executed in Taxila,” he added.

Later, Mr Khanunveiled the centre’s plaque, along with MNA Mansoor Hayat Khan and MPA Ammar Siddique Khan.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2020