Pakistan to Verify all Identity Cards After Mansoor Slip Up

It is believed that thousands of Afghan refugees have already gained Pakistan citizenship through fake documents.

A file photo of Mullah Mansoor. (Photo: AP)

Pakistan has decided to verify its computerised national identity cards after it was left red-faced over the revelation that Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansoor was registered as a citizen under a false name.

Mansoor was targeted by drones operated by US special forces in Balochistan’s Noshki district on 21 May when he headed towards Quetta in a rented car.

Mansour had not only Pakistan’s computerised national identity card (CNIC) but also a valid passport with him. He had a fake name, Wali Muhmmad, on the documents.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan yesterday gave a 48-hour deadline to National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for a roadmap to launch a country-wide CNIC re-verification campaign of the entire population.

NADRA has 48 hours for submitting a work plan with a set deadline for initiation of National Plan for Re-verification of CNICs across Pakistan. Being a responsible state we will ensure that the usage of CNIC by any alien is completely eliminated after this exercise

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Interior Minister

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Revenue Rafique Tareen on 26 May on allegations of verifying and approving Mansour’s CNIC under the fake identity of Wali Muhammad.

It is believed that thousands of Afghan refugees have already gained Pakistan’s citizenship through fake documents.