ISLAMABAD: The government has intensified action against illegal Afghan residents in Pakistan, with many found holding fake Pakistani national identity cards (CNICs) under the supervision of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
According to sources, NADRA used specialized software to detect suspicious CNICs, uncovering that over 250,000 individuals had obtained fraudulent Pakistani IDs. The software analyzed family trees to identify irregularities, with the largest number of discrepancies linked to Afghan nationals.
Sources revealed that in districts such as Pishin, Chaman, and Quetta, Afghan residents had been illegally added to the family records of Pakistani citizens. Agents reportedly charged significant sums to include foreign nationals in official records.
NADRA officials confirmed that CNICs identified as fake are being automatically blocked. Individuals holding blocked cards have been instructed to visit NADRA offices for verification within a specified period, failing which their CNICs will be canceled.
The move aims to ensure the accuracy of national identity records and identify individuals residing illegally in the country.
In a separate development, NADRA has also made it easier for citizens to obtain CNICs. A new online process allows applicants to submit CNIC requests via the Pak ID website or mobile app, with completed cards delivered directly to their homes via courier. NADRA stated that this initiative saves time and reduces the need to stand in long queues.
ALSO READ: Over 10,000 Afghan refugees repatriated via Chaman border in a single day
Over 10,000 Afghan refugees repatriated via Chaman border in a single day
The process of the dignified return of Afghan refugees is picking up speed as more than 10,700 Afghan nationals went back to their country via the Chaman border in a single day, according to official sources.
Data from the government show that since the campaign for repatriation was launched, the number of Afghan refugees returned to their country has reached almost 1.56 million.
As per reports, the return of Afghan refugees is now happening at the Torkham border after Chaman, and the authorities are making sure that all the departures are carried out in a lawful and documented manner.
Officials said that the documents of every person are being checked in detail before they are given permission to cross the border. Besides, the Frontier Corps (FC) and the local administration have provided the refugees with all the necessities such as arrangements for temporary shelter, food, and medical care to make their journey comfortable.
For over four decades, Pakistan has been the home of millions of Afghan refugees, giving them shelter especially during times of war and internal strife in Afghanistan, a gesture that has been widely acknowledged as a model of humanitarian generosity.
The authorities have asserted that the ongoing repatriation campaign is consistent with Pakistan’s national security concerns and that those without valid passports and visas will not be allowed to enter the country.
