NADRA Achieves ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Business Recorder: Dated 1 December 2010


National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has succeeded in attaining the ISO 9001:2008 Certification for its Regional Headquarters in Islamabad.

“NADRA has always adopted the best standard for registration and delivery of National Identity documents for Pakistanis and it is committed to consistently monitor and improve its delivery service with support of customers, civil society and media”. said Tariq Malik Deputy Chairman NADRA here on Tuesday.

The audit of the NADRA was conducted by an internationally accredited body Bureau Veritas Certification (Pvt.) Ltd. on November 25-26, 2010. The auditors appreciated the system in place and commented positively on continual improvement initiatives for complaint resolution. Chairman NADRA being committed to Quality and excellence takes pride in enhancing service levels through cutting edge technology and state of the art processes.

On the achievement Deputy Chief of NADRA regards this certificate as an outstanding achievement attained as an outcome of consistent efforts by dedicated NADRA teams. NADRA has already achieved CMMI certification by Carnegie Mellon USA, ISMS (ISO 27001) and ISO 9001:2008 for other directorates. he said.

General Manager, NADRA Islamabad Brig. (R) Nasar Ahmed Mir, when contacted, placed fast paced customer registration processes and complaint resolution, while minimizing alien registrations, as the highest priority goals for PHQ NADRA, Islamabad.

He said that the certification has resulted in mapping and aligning of existing registration processes with International Quality Standards, and focuses on improved customer satisfaction and service efficiency for NADRA in future. These processes will be further streamlined and implemented at all other Regions of NADRA, he added.

NADRA's Policy for Change of Name

The News: Dated 5 December, 2010


National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has issued policy guidelines for the people who are applying for change in names to clarify the ambiguity about the process.

NADRA spokesman said that for the change of complete name, applicants have to fulfill certain requirements including provision of an affidavit attested by 1st class magistrate along with advertisement in any two newspapers approved by the Press Information Department.

The spokesman said if applicant’s qualification is Secondary School Certificate (Matric) or above, name as appears on Matric certificate will be written while if head of family (father/husband) changes his name, all family members will be required to modify their CNICs/NICOPs/CRCs.

He said For NICOP & POC holders; name change deed duly verified by the concerned Consulate General is required (only for abroad NADRA Swift Registration Centers).

The spokesman said that name change due to religion would be entertained only when the applicant gives an affidavit attested by 1st Class Magistrate along with advertisements in three national / regional daily newspapers verified by PID and certificate issued by registered religious institution/Mufti.


He said Assistant Manager/System Engineer would be responsible to see the original documents, & endorse the remarks on the application form, “Seen original documents” & sign while once name changed applicant will not be allowed to retain his old name.

NADRA Busts Gang Involved in Making Fake CNICS

Business Recorder: Dated 10th December , 2010


National Database and Registration Authority, NADRA has busted a gang involved in making fake Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) and held three NADRA officials in this regard.

"We have busted the gang of criminals and also held three NADRA officials who were helping the gangsters to process fake CNICs and handed them over to Federal Investigation Authority (FIA)," said Tariq Malik, Deputy Chairman NADRA revealed to media on Tuesday.

"We noted some suspicious activities within NADRA office and the suspected staff was put under observation and surveillance by NADRA's Vigilance Department", Malik said, adding that the arrest was possible due to NADRA internal control Systems.

He said that the human intelligence was not enough so we are using technology to study behavioral trends of data and then using the same to nab the culprits. "That is a continuous war and we will make sure transparency at all cost," he maintained. He stated that NADRA has always a zero tolerance policy for corruption and is working intensively to weed out the corrupt element from its ranks. NADRA has taken action against 106 employees in last two years and most of them have been punished and terminated, he added.

NADRA is not a law enforcement agency, but we have to call in law enforcement agencies to arrest and investigate further, as who is connected with the gangs, Malik said, adding that the authority is vigilant to take notice against suspicious attempts to obtain CNICs on the behalf of fake documents and instantly investigate such cases to hand over correct information to LEAs.

NADRA has issued more than 82 million CNICs to authentic citizens with all verification means implemented through its highly sophisticated automated systems

CNIC and voter registration are important

CNIC and voter registration are important
Wednesday, 24 February 2010 20:12

LODHRAN, Feb 24, 2010: Organization for Public Interest (OPI) organized a seminar on “The
importance of CNIC & Voter Registration” at Al-falah Public School. The purpose of this seminar
was to mobilize the community for getting their Computerized National Identity Cards and using
their voting right for true democracy in the country. Primarily, the seminar was focused on
women audience as the OPI believed, majority of women have no CNIC.
Talking to the seminar, Mian Wali Muhammad Kashif told that CNIC is essential document for a
Pakistani national to get basic citizens’ rights. He told that CNIC is also required to cast a vote
in all the elections. Mr. Kashif said that every Pakistani is responsible to cast his/her vote
honestly for electing the most deserving representative.
Mr. Hasan Raza, the representative of the Election Commission of Pakistan, told that vote
registration is very required for establishing a real democratic state. He said that ECP is going
to launch a door-to-door voter registration campaign in coming weeks. He further told that a
citizen can apply for vote registering by filing a copy of his CNIC along with a copy of most
recent utility bill. Mr. Raza told, although old NIC is no longer valid however an old NIC holder
can apply for voter registration by filing required documents along with an affidavit on Rs. 20
stamp paper.
Syed Zaigham Ali Shah, Mr. Gulfam Mustafa and Mirza Saleem Akhtar also discussed the
importance of CNIC and voter registration. In the last session, the speakers replied to various
questions raised by the participants. Most questions were related to procedures of obtaining a
computerized national identity card and registering a vote. There were a total of 53 participants
including 36 women who were directly benefited through this seminar.




Press releases
Donate for Flood Victims in Pakistan
MONDAY, 16 AUGUST 2010 13:36
Recent flood and heavy rains have washed out thousands of homes, markets and livelihoods in Pakistan. According to UN estimates, almost 1.4 Million people are affected of this worst ever flood. They need immediate help to get food, water, shelter and medical aid.
Organization for Public Interest (OPI) has also taken steps to support the flood victims in Southern Punjab. In order to continue our efforts of providing relief, sufficient funds are required. You can also take part in the noble cause by making some donation.
Help us to reduce hunger and diseases in flood affected areas of Pakistan!
Please remit your donations to following bank account.
Account Title: Organization for Public Interest
Current Account No. 0343552671001096
Name of Bank: MCB Bank Limited
Bank Branch: Lodhran Branch (0510)
Bank Address: Kamboh Plaza, Multan Road, Lodhran
Swift Code: MUCBPKKA
You may also send in-kind contributions to following address. With cheques or bank drafts, please communicate your address & donation details through a letter. An official receipt will be promptly mailed to you.
Organization for Public Interest
House No. 447, Iqbal Chishti Road,
Lodhran 59320, PAKISTAN
Tel: +92 (608) 364579, 606061
Fax: +92 (608) 364579
E-Mail: info@opi.org.pk
Web: http://www.opi.org.pk
* OPI’s National Tax Number (NTN) is 3389635.

Gender equality can help alleviate poverty
MONDAY, 08 MARCH 2010 17:13
LODHRAN, Mar 8, 2010: Alleviation of poverty and eliminating social injustice is possible by realizing the rights of women. Although women comprise half population of Pakistan yet they are ignored in governance and institutionalized mechanism which is a point of concern for us. This was said by Mr. Gulfam Mustafa, Executive Director of OPI, and other members of the organization who were observing International Women's Day at Press Club here. They demanded the members of senate, national and provincial assemblies to play their roles for securing the rights of women and ensuring the equal participation in governance system. They said that women can play important role in national politics and they have ability to alleviate poverty and eliminate social injustice by working along with men. They said that gender equality in all walks of life is the utmost need of the time. They told that 70% women suffer from harrassment and abuse across the world and it is our responsibility to protect them.

CNIC and voter registration are important
WEDNESDAY, 24 FEBRUARY 2010 20:12
LODHRAN, Feb 24, 2010: Organization for Public Interest (OPI) organized a seminar on “The importance of CNIC & Voter Registration” at Al-falah Public School. The purpose of this seminar was to mobilize the community for getting their Computerized National Identity Cards and using their voting right for true democracy in the country. Primarily, the seminar was focused on women audience as the OPI believed, majority of women have no CNIC.
Talking to the seminar, Mian Wali Muhammad Kashif told that CNIC is essential document for a Pakistani national to get basic citizens’ rights. He told that CNIC is also required to cast a vote in all the elections. Mr. Kashif said that every Pakistani is responsible to cast his/her vote honestly for electing the most deserving representative.
Mr. Hasan Raza, the representative of the Election Commission of Pakistan, told that vote registration is very required for establishing a real democratic state. He said that ECP is going to launch a door-to-door voter registration campaign in coming weeks. He further told that a citizen can apply for vote registering by filing a copy of his CNIC along with a copy of most recent utility bill. Mr. Raza told, although old NIC is no longer valid however an old NIC holder can apply for vote registration by filing required documents along with an affidavit on Rs. 20 stamp paper.
Syed Zaigham Ali Shah, Mr. Gulfam Mustafa and Mirza Saleem Akhtar also discussed the importance of CNIC and voter registration. In the last session, the speakers replied to various questions raised by the participants. Most questions were related to procedures of obtaining a computerized national identity card and registering a vote. There were a total of 53 participants including 36 women who were directly benefited through this seminar.

Governance gaps in reproductive health
TUESDAY, 22 DECEMBER 2009 20:04
LODHRAN, Dec 22, 2009: Organization for Public Interest (OPI) organized a seminar on "Governance Gaps in Reproductive Health" in Jinnah Hall of Tehsil Municipal Administration here. Several health experts, government representatives and other civil society activists highlighted various gaps in governance system of reproductive health in the district.
Speaking to the seminar, Mr. Anwar Masood, District Support Manager (Punjab Rural Support Programme) said that strategic planning is required for development in health sector. He said that every citizen has the right to better health facilities and the state is responsible for providing these services. He told that PRSP was originated from Lodhran and it has expanded its coverage nationwide. He said that majority of Basic Health Units are located out of communities which create security threats for lady doctors and other staff members. He suggested to solve such basic issues before advancing in health sector.
Ms. Zahra Sajjad Zaidi, Programme Associate SPO said that the reproductive health situation of District Lodhran is very critical and a question mark for responsible officials. She said that the district government should allocate additional resources for solving the problems in the field of reproductive health.
Dr. Samina Matloob (District President Pakistan Muslim League N) said that we need to create awareness about reproductive among the communities. She told that women need extra-ordinary antenatal and postnatal care however our society does not take care of them. She said that healthy nation is not possible without healthy mothers. For that reason, she demanded that special initiatives and awareness raising is urgent need for the health of mothers.
Mr. Tariq Mehmood Sukhera (Deputy District Officer Population Welfare) said that his department is working on different projects for reproductive health in the district. However, additional funds and proper planning is required, he added.
Mr. Gulfam Mustafa, Executive Director of OPI told that the maternal mortality ratio in the district is 550/100,000 in District Lodhran which is much higher than other areas of Pakistan. Similarly, infant mortality ratio 84/1,000 is also highest not only across the country rather much higher than other developing countries. He demanded for special initiatives in the district to control this situation.
Mirza Saleem Akhtar, President Sahara Human Rights Organization said that reproductive health is a fundamental right of every citizen and state is responsible for delivering appropriate services. At this occasion, Hafiza Ishrat Khursheed, Syed Azhar Bukhari, A.D. Anjum and Dr. Arshad Arshi also elaborated the need of action for better situation in terms of reproductive health. A large number of citizens, journalists, students, health practitioners and civil society activists were participants of this event.

Awareness walk on Human Rights Day
THURSDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2009 05:01
LODHRAN, Dec 10, 2009: An awareness walk was arranged by OPI on United Nations Human Rights Day. The purpose of the walk was to create awareness among the citizens about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and to build pressure against the violations of human rights.
The walk started from Press Club Lodhran and ended peacefully on Ghosia Chowk after passing through Chowk Thana Sadar, Kehror Morr and Railway Chowk. Dozens of citizens participated in the walk. The participants were holding banners carrying slogans in support of the human rights.
At the end of the walk at Ghosia Chowk, the participants made a chain of human hands to show their commitment to human rights and peace. At this occasion, Mr. Gulfam Mustafa, Executive Director of OPI said that OPI will continue its struggle for protecting human rights across the country. He said that the Government of Pakistan has signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the state is responsible for securing these rights. However, the ratio of human rights violations is very high in Pakistan and government need to adopt appropriate policies to stop such violations.

Pakistan Observer: Dated 9th October, 2009

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has lauded National Database and Registration Authority’s role in starting a new era in sports activities in country by verifying the age of less than fewer than 18 hockey players participated in National junior hockey Championship in Karachi. It was stated in a press release issued here on Thursday.



PHF, in a letter to NADRA, said that due to personal interest of Chairman NADRA Ali Arshad Hakeem, NADRA provided dedicated services in screening out over-aged team player.



State of the art technology was deployed in the specially designed “Mobile Registration Vehicle” incorporating biometrics.This will go a long way in reviving the glorious past of Pakistan hockey.



Chairman NADRA Ali Arshad Hakeem said that there has always suspicion over age of some players participating in such tournaments at regional and national level. Verification of the player’s ages from national database would make the player selection transparent for such tournaments.



NADRA was also the main sponsor of this tournament while authority has been actively promoting sports and healthy activities across the country to encourage the players. 10 teams from Karachi participated in the tournament at Pakistan Hockey stadium Karachi.After the verification of 210 players, 15 players had been rejected from the tournament. The verification was completed before the start of the tournament.