Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Orders Purge Of Illegal Citizens

March 31, 2026 Diplomats World

Minister Orders Immediate Removal Of Illegal National Identities

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has issued a definitive directive to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to identify and remove all individuals who have obtained Pakistani citizenship through illegal means. During a strategic review at the NADRA headquarters, the Minister emphasized that the integrity of the national database is a matter of paramount national security. He instructed officials to employ rigorous verification protocols to ensure that only legitimate citizens remain within the system, effectively purging any fraudulent entries that could compromise the state’s demographic records or security framework.

Evaluation Of Institutional Performance And Infrastructure Development

During the briefing, Minister Naqvi lauded the significant improvements in NADRA’s service delivery over the past two years, characterizing the progress as a vital step toward digital governance. To further institutionalize these gains, the Minister directed that NADRA transition from utilizing rented facilities to constructing state-of-the-art offices on government-owned land. In this regard, he formally requested a comprehensive master plan for infrastructure development. This shift is intended to provide a permanent and secure environment for sensitive data operations while optimizing the long-term administrative costs associated with maintaining a nationwide network of service centers.

Implementation Of Advanced Biometric And Facial Recognition Systems

Chairman NADRA provided a detailed overview of the various measures taken to enhance public convenience and operational transparency. A key highlight of the briefing was the introduction of a new verification system utilizing facial image recognition for biometric authentication. The Chairman noted that the successful nationwide implementation of this technology requires close cooperation from other state institutions. Minister Naqvi responded by pledging full ministerial-level support and coordination with relevant departments to ensure that these advanced security features are integrated seamlessly across all public service platforms, thereby reducing identity theft and administrative fraud.

Systematic Cancellation Of Deceased Records And SIM Security

The briefing further revealed that NADRA has successfully cancelled millions of identity cards belonging to deceased individuals to prevent the misuse of their data. In a coordinated effort with the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), the agency is also moving to block mobile SIM cards currently registered under the names of the deceased. Furthermore, a strict 30-day timeline has been established to resolve any outstanding issues related to national identity cards. These measures represent a broader effort to sanitize the national database and protect the digital identities of legitimate citizens while ensuring that the deceased’s records are properly retired from active use.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reiterated his commitment to providing NADRA with the necessary resources to maintain its status as a global leader in identity management. He stated that the government would ensure that all hurdles facing the agency are addressed through inter-departmental cooperation. By focusing on both the removal of illegal residents and the technological upgrading of the system, the Ministry of Interior aims to build a more secure and reliable national identification framework that serves the interests of the Pakistani public while upholding the rule of law.

The Chairman of NADRA concluded the session by expressing gratitude for the Minister’s visit and his clear policy directions. He reaffirmed that the agency remains dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in its service delivery models. With the Minister’s oversight and the proposed master plan for dedicated infrastructure, NADRA is positioned to further enhance its role in national documentation. These strategic initiatives are expected to significantly bolster the state’s ability to manage its population data accurately and securely in an increasingly digital global environment.