ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s interior ministry has ordered an immediate nationwide effort to identify foreign nationals who illegally acquired Pakistani citizenship, signaling a renewed push to tighten immigration controls and strengthen national identity systems.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued the directive during a high-level visit to the headquarters of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Tuesday. He instructed officials to locate individuals who fraudulently obtained identity documents and ensure their removal from the national database without delay.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to support law enforcement agencies in addressing undocumented migration and enforcing repatriation policies. Naqvi emphasized the need for closer coordination between institutions, assuring NADRA of full governmental backing in implementing these measures.
وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کا نیشنل ڈیٹابیس اینڈ رجسٹریشن اتھارٹی (نادرا) ہیڈکوارٹرز کا دورہ. اعلی سطح کے اجلاس کی صدارت کی
چیئرمین نادرا لیفٹیننٹ جنرل محمد منیر افسر نے وزیر داخلہ کو ادارے کی کارکردگی اور جاری و آئندہ منصوبوں بارے بریفنگ دی pic.twitter.com/kTWfCg7JAe— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) March 31, 2026
During the meeting, NADRA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afsar briefed officials on the authority’s recent performance and ongoing modernization initiatives.
Senior representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) also attended the session.
Naqvi praised improvements in NADRA’s service delivery over the past two years and called for the introduction of more advanced, citizen-friendly digital services. He also directed the authority to develop a long-term infrastructure plan, including the construction of modern, purpose-built offices in major cities instead of relying on rented facilities.
Officials highlighted that NADRA has already taken significant steps to improve the integrity of its database. Millions of identity cards linked to deceased individuals have been cancelled, and mobile SIM cards issued under those identities are being blocked in coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The authority is also expanding its use of biometric verification technologies, including facial recognition systems, to enhance identity authentication. These measures, however, require continued collaboration with other government agencies.
NADRA has further committed to resolving identity card-related cases within a 30-day timeframe, aiming to streamline public services while maintaining stricter oversight.
The latest directive underscores Pakistan’s increasing focus on securing its national identity framework amid ongoing concerns over undocumented migration and data integrity.
