Over 71,000 CNICs Blocked Across Pakistan in the Last Five Years
KP recorded the highest number of blocked CNICs, with 25,981 cards affected.
ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has blocked over 71,000 Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) across Pakistan in the past five years, according to official data. The blocked cards were part of a wider initiative to address various issues related to identity verification and to prevent fraudulent activities.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest number of blocked CNICs, with 25,981 cards affected. Balochistan followed closely behind, with 20,583 CNICs blocked. Punjab and Sindh had 13,564 and 9,677 cards blocked, respectively. Other regions, including Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saw smaller numbers of blocked CNICs, with 1,370, 228, and 446 cards, respectively.
After further verification processes, NADRA was able to unblock 44,460 CNICs. However, investigations for 13,618 of the blocked cards are still ongoing, with authorities working to address the reasons behind the blockages.
In response to concerns raised by citizens and lawmakers, the Sindh government has formally requested an amendment to the Citizenship Act to streamline the verification process and address the difficulties faced by citizens due to blocked CNICs.
Meanwhile, the federal government has been focused on tackling the spread of misinformation, with Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division, Sajid Mehdi, revealing that around 80,000 SIM cards have been blocked for disseminating fake news. This move comes amid growing concerns over the impact of misinformation on digital platforms.
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Mehdi informed the National Assembly that the government has launched a number of initiatives to combat fake news, including the formation of a joint task force that has already submitted a report to the Prime Minister on the severity of the issue. The task force has recommended reforms to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, to speed up the trial of cases related to the spread of false information.
As part of the measures to curb the problem, the government is also registering Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to enhance the monitoring and control of online activities. Additionally, an awareness campaign has been launched to educate the public on the dangers of spreading misinformation and the legal consequences it may entail.
The government remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by fake news and the verification of personal identity, with ongoing efforts to introduce legislative reforms and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
