Ministry relying on staff from institution notorious for scandals
Islamabad, July 16: The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, in a letter to the Chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), has requested the urgent requisition of four data entry operators, to run Pakistan Online Visa System despite NADRA’s staff being previously implicated in scandals and fraud.
According to the ministry’s letter, the additional staff is required to “deal with the substantial increase in workload in the Visa Section linked with the Pakistan Online Visa System . The additional staff is required to support the ongoing processing of visa applications and to maintain the smooth functioning of the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS).”
It is worth noting that NADRA has faced multiple scandals and fraud allegations pertaining to its role in generating national ID cards, which are essential for obtaining passports and fulfilling other travel requirements. A highly competent staff with high credibility is required to run such a sensitive visa system for the sake of national security.
READ MORE: NADRA Counters
Instead of developing a foolproof system to curb malpractices, the ministry is relying on staff from an institution already notorious for scandals.
According to a published report, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against former NADRA Chairman Muhammad Tariq Malik and others for their alleged involvement in corruption and corrupt practices.
The first information report (FIR), registered by the FIA’s Anti-Corruption Wing (ACW), states that an inquiry was initiated on the complaint of Malik Muhammad Afzal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Interior, against NADRA officials.
Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) had submitted a complaint alleging violations of PPRA Rules 2004 in the award of a contract for 30 million Smart Cards worth $29.7 million on a single-bid basis, despite the market price in China being just $0.0297 (approximately three cents per card). This caused an estimated loss of at least $25 million to the national exchequer under tender no: 13/2022.
The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) also conducted a detailed inquiry and submitted a report to the Ministry of Interior regarding the matter.
Read More: NADRA Warn Citizens
In a separate case, the FIA dismantled a sophisticated visa fraud operation based in Islamabad, uncovering a network that enabled hundreds of Afghan nationals to obtain forged Pakistani documents and foreign work permits. According to the FIA, nearly 700 Afghan nationals acquired fraudulent visas and identities through a network involving government officials within NADRA and various ministries.
