Data theft of 2.7 million Pakistanis – serious questions on NADRA system
In the meeting of the National Assembly Committee on Interior, a surprising revelation has come out that the data of 2.7 million Pakistanis was stolen from NADRA. Briefing the committee, Chairman NADRA admitted that many appointments in NADRA were made without advertisement and some officers completed their degrees later. It was also informed in the meeting that NADRA has around 240 vans and 90 more vans are being procured, out of which 75 vans will have satellite connectivity facility.
Member of National Assembly Agha Rafiullah expressed a strong reaction on the issue of data theft. He said that theft of data of 27 lakh people is not a problem, but concern has arisen over the leakage of data of important personalities. He alleged that the data leakers are still in NADRA and have been promoted to better positions. They demanded immediate action against the top officials of NADRA.
Agha Rafiullah expressed his displeasure over the early termination of NADRA’s agenda by the Special Secretary Interior and said that in the absence of the Interior Minister, attention must be paid to public issues. Referring to the problems of Biharis, he said that until their problems are solved, no government bill will be passed. The meeting discussed the amendment of the MPO rules and the Home Ministry opposed these amendments. The committee directed to take feedback from all the provinces and submit the report.
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Committee Insights: Briefing by Chairman NADRA
During the session, Chairman NADRA openly admitted to the data theft. He explained that while efforts were made to manage operations effectively, there were several flaws that needed addressing, including this security lapse. His statement highlighted a critical need for reviewing NADRA’s data protection and cybersecurity policies.
Concerns Raised by National Assembly Members
Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Agha Rafiullah voiced his concerns over the data breach, suggesting that, contrary to the claim of 2.7 million records, certain key individuals may have been specifically affected due to targeted data leaks. He also indicated that some of the individuals responsible for this leak remain within NADRA, continuing to hold influential positions.
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Challenges with Unchecked Hiring Practices in NADRA
The committee also scrutinized NADRA’s hiring practices, as the Chairman admitted to several appointments within the organization being conducted without transparent advertisements. Concerns were also raised about some officers having acquired their educational degrees after being appointed. These unchecked hiring practices have reportedly contributed to a lack of accountability within NADRA.
Financial Constraints and Budget Allocation at NADRA
With a budget allocation of approximately 57 billion rupees, 87 percent of which goes toward employee salaries, NADRA is left with limited funds for operational enhancements, including security improvements. This high salary expenditure leaves minimal resources for addressing other critical areas, such as cybersecurity infrastructure.
NADRA Vans Expansion and Satellite Connectivity Plans
The committee was informed about NADRA’s plans to expand its fleet, currently consisting of around 240 mobile vans. The Chairman shared plans to acquire 90 additional vans, with 75 of them equipped with satellite connectivity for enhanced service delivery across remote areas. These vans aim to improve public access to NADRA’s services, although concerns about their security features were also raised.
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Agha Rafiullah’s Response on Data Security Issues
MNA Agha Rafiullah expressed his frustration, particularly towards the Home Ministry’s perceived lack of attention to these security breaches. He noted that despite such a significant data breach, those responsible for the leak remain in high-ranking positions, and no concrete action has been taken against them. Rafiullah criticized NADRA’s handling of the issue, arguing that the authorities’ inaction reflected a tolerance for internal data leaks.
Criticism of the Interior Ministry’s Role and Inaction
Rafiullah also expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Home Ministry officials who attempted to conclude NADRA’s agenda in the session prematurely. He accused them of neglecting the importance of addressing NADRA’s security concerns and protecting citizens’ data. This criticism highlighted growing tensions between committee members and the Ministry of Interior regarding the oversight and accountability of NADRA’s operations.
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Addressing the Biharis’ Issues and Its Link to Legislative Progress
During the session, Agha Rafiullah emphasized the importance of addressing the Bihari community’s concerns, especially regarding their registration with NADRA. He warned that unless these issues were resolved, the legislative process on other government bills would face hurdles. The Biharis, a marginalized group in Pakistan, have long awaited recognition and assistance, and their plight was once again brought to the forefront in this committee meeting.
Proposed Amendment Bill on MPO Laws and Opposition from Interior Ministry
The committee also reviewed a proposed amendment bill concerning the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) laws, specifically Articles 3 and 16. The Ministry of Interior expressed opposition to these amendments, citing concerns about their applicability. Following this, the committee recommended that feedback be collected from all four provinces to ensure a comprehensive approach. The session concluded with a directive for the Ministry of Interior to submit a report outlining the provincial opinions on this amendment.
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Conclusion
The National Assembly Committee’s meeting unveiled serious security issues within NADRA, particularly concerning the recent data breach. With increasing scrutiny on NADRA’s internal practices, including data security, hiring, and budget allocation, the committee has highlighted a pressing need for comprehensive reforms to protect citizens’ personal data. The lack of immediate action from the Ministry of Interior has further fueled public concern, demanding a swift and robust response to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the government continues to work on amending existing laws, addressing the Bihari community’s concerns, and reinforcing NADRA’s security, the focus remains on restoring public trust and safeguarding sensitive information.