I am a responsible citizen and a government servant. I wish to draw the attention of the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister for Interior, and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to a deeply troubling experience faced by my family.
NADRA has blocked my CNIC, along with the CNICs of my entire family, for more than a month because a relative allegedly possesses dual nationality. Whatever the circumstances of an individual family member’s nationality status may be, punishing an entire family by blocking their identity documents is both unfair and disproportionate.
A CNIC is not merely a piece of plastic; it is a fundamental document that enables citizens to access employment, banking, education, healthcare, travel, and numerous other essential services. Blocking the identity documents of innocent family members for an issue concerning another individual can effectively deprive them of their basic rights and dignity.
I have full respect for the law and for the authority of NADRA citizenship and identity. However, such powers must be exercised fairly, transparently and in accordance with due process. No citizen should be treated as guilty merely because of their relationship with another person.
I therefore appeal to the Prime Minister and the Interior Ministry to take immediate notice of this matter and direct NADRA to review such cases. The authority should ensure that no innocent citizen or entire family is made to suffer for an issue that does not concern them directly.
Citizens deserve both security and dignity. Administrative procedures should protect the rights of citizens, not become a source of collective punishment.
Muhammad Alamgir
Chitral Lower.