The Nadra verification case took a significant turn on Monday after the Peshawar High Court (PHC) restrained authorities from deporting a petitioner named Quaid-i-Azam and directed him to appear before the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra)’s verification board for further proceedings.
PHC Grants Interim Relief in Nadra Verification Case
The court’s interim order provides temporary relief to the petitioner, whose Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) was blocked after Nadra classified it as suspicious during its verification process. The decision ensures that no deportation action can be taken against him until the verification board reviews his case.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Inamullah Khan heard the petition filed by Quaid-i-Azam, who challenged the blocking of his identity card and sought protection against possible deportation.
During the hearing, Advocate Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel represented the petitioner, while Nadra was represented by its Assistant Director Legal, Shahid Imran Gigiyani.
Petitioner Claims CNIC Blocking Disrupted Business Activities
The petitioner’s lawyer argued before the court that his client is a Pakistani citizen who has been conducting business both in Pakistan and Dubai for several years. According to the counsel, the blocking of the CNIC has severely disrupted his client’s personal and business affairs, creating legal and financial difficulties.
The lawyer maintained that the petitioner regularly pays taxes to the government and has legitimate business interests that require frequent travel and official documentation. He told the bench that the suspension of the identity card had effectively deprived his client of access to essential services and caused unnecessary hardship.
The counsel further informed the court that Nadra had recently asked the petitioner to produce his uncle before the authority as part of the verification process. He questioned the necessity of this requirement, arguing that several other members of the petitioner’s family already possess valid Pakistani national identity cards issued by Nadra.
According to the petitioner’s legal team, these family records should support the claim that Quaid-i-Azam is a genuine Pakistani citizen and should be considered during the verification process.
Nadra Defends Verification Process
Responding to the petition, Nadra’s legal representative informed the court that the authority had already submitted its written reply.
He explained that the petitioner’s identity card had been blocked because it had been categorised as suspicious during routine verification procedures. Nadra maintained that the blocking was part of its legal mandate to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the national identity database.
The authority did not disclose in open court the specific reasons that led to the petitioner’s identity card being flagged. However, it insisted that the matter should be examined by Nadra’s verification board before any final decision is made regarding the petitioner’s citizenship status and restoration of his CNIC.
Court Directs Petitioner to Appear Before Verification Board
After hearing arguments from both sides, the PHC directed the petitioner to personally appear before Nadra’s verification board, where his case will be examined in accordance with the applicable laws and procedures.
The court also issued an important interim order restraining the relevant authorities from deporting the petitioner until the verification board completes its proceedings.
The ruling provides temporary legal protection while allowing Nadra to complete its verification process through its designated forum.
Case Highlights Importance of Due Process
The case highlights the legal challenges that sometimes arise when identity documents are suspended during verification procedures. Since the Computerised National Identity Card serves as the primary proof of identity for Pakistani citizens, its suspension can affect access to banking services, employment, property transactions, travel, taxation, mobile phone registration and other essential public services.
Courts across Pakistan have previously emphasised that while Nadra has the authority to verify identity records and investigate suspicious cases, affected individuals must also be provided an opportunity to present evidence and defend their citizenship claims through a transparent legal process.
The PHC’s latest order seeks to balance these two objectives by allowing Nadra to continue its verification while protecting the petitioner from deportation until the process is completed.