NADRA Claims Citizen Data Safer Than Ever Amid Dark Web Allegations
During a briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom, officials from the Ministry of Interior assured lawmakers that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has significantly strengthened its data security over the past year.
The newly appointed NADRA chairman has introduced additional security measures to safeguard citizens’ information. Officials also highlighted corrective actions regarding foreign entries in Pakistani family trees, noting that up to 80 percent of incorrectly registered foreigners have now been removed from the database. These individuals are reportedly being expelled from Pakistan as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
Senator Afnanullah expressed concerns over reports that Pakistani citizens’ data is being sold on the dark web. The committee inquired about prior investigations into data breaches. NADRA representatives stated that 15 officers were dismissed due to previous incidents, reflecting an internal effort to hold individuals accountable and prevent future leaks.
Officials further explained that citizen data is being systematically collected through self-enumeration, particularly in Islamabad, to maintain accurate records of residents. This process ensures that updated and verified information is maintained in the database.
Despite these security enhancements, the dark web allegations have raised public concern, prompting calls for increased transparency and continuous monitoring. Lawmakers emphasized that protecting citizen data is essential not only for privacy but also for national security and trust in digital governance systems.
The committee urged NADRA to conduct regular audits, strengthen cybersecurity protocols, and collaborate with law enforcement to track and eliminate illicit data circulation. Public confidence in digital records remains a top priority as Pakistan continues to digitize key services and citizen databases.
