Investigation Unfolds Over Alleged Corruption and Misuse of Authority
Islamabad, Pakistan June 4, 2025 The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has officially registered a case against the former chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), along with several other senior officials, over allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, and illegal issuance of identity documents.
Background of the Case
According to a statement issued by the FIA on Tuesday, the agency’s Anti-Corruption Circle (ACC) initiated an inquiry after receiving credible intelligence suggesting irregularities in NADRA’s operations during the tenure of the former chairman, whose name has been withheld pending further verification. The investigation reportedly centers around the issuance of Pakistani Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) to unauthorized foreign nationals, raising concerns over national security and institutional malpractice.
The FIA maintained that the alleged crimes not only violated NADRA’s internal protocols but also potentially compromised sensitive national data and identification processes.
Charges Filed
The FIR registered by the FIA includes several serious charges under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Prevention of Corruption Act, including:
- Criminal breach of trust by a public servant
- Misuse of official authority
- Tampering with official records
- Facilitating the illegal registration of foreign nationals
FIA officials confirmed that the former NADRA chairman is named as the principal accused, while several other mid- to high-ranking NADRA officers have also been implicated in the case. These individuals allegedly played varying roles in orchestrating and facilitating the fraudulent issuance of CNICs in return for bribes.
The Modus Operandi
Investigators revealed that the accused officials manipulated internal verification protocols, bypassing biometric and familial checks required for citizenship verification. The preliminary inquiry report suggests that hundreds of CNICs may have been issued illegally, mostly in exchange for monetary gain or political favors.
The alleged scheme exploited weaknesses in the national registration system, particularly targeting regions with large undocumented populations, such as parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Many of the recipients of the fraudulent CNICs are believed to be Afghan and Bangladeshi nationals.
FIA’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
The FIA has formed a dedicated investigation team comprising senior officers from its Cyber Crime Wing, Legal Branch, and Counter-Terrorism Department. This team is tasked with collecting digital evidence, auditing NADRA’s record logs, and tracing the financial transactions linked to the alleged scam.
In a press briefing, an FIA spokesperson stated:
“We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. The misuse of the national identity registration system has implications for national security, financial transparency, and public trust. No one, regardless of position or status, will be spared if found guilty.”
Raids have already been conducted at multiple NADRA offices across Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar. Documents and electronic devices have been seized for forensic analysis.
NADRA’s Internal Response
In response to the case, the current NADRA administration has issued a statement distancing itself from the former leadership. The authority has pledged full cooperation with the FIA and has already suspended several officials named in the preliminary investigation.
An internal audit has also been launched by NADRA’s vigilance department to identify weaknesses in its security protocols and prevent similar breaches in the future.
Political and Public Reactions
The news has sparked widespread concern among political circles and the public alike. Opposition parties have called for a full-scale parliamentary inquiry into NADRA’s functioning over the past five years, demanding transparency and accountability.
Lawmakers from various parties emphasized the need to restore public trust in NADRA, an institution integral to elections, social services, and national security.
On social media, the hashtag #NADRAScam began trending shortly after news of the case broke, with users expressing shock and demanding stringent legal action against those responsible.
