AT one stroke, some 100,000 individuals who defined themselves as Pakistanis have found that they have been shorn of their nationality. They comprise those whose computerised national identity cards have been blocked or not renewed by the National Database Registration Authority on the grounds that their status is `suspect (alien)`. While Nadra maintains it is only taking this step after meticulous scrutiny by provincial joint verification committees, those affected contend it is an imperfect and discriminatory process that is unfairly penalising them. A recent report in this paper included accounts of some distressed individuals claiming to have presented documentation to Nadra that proves their long-standing ties to Pakistan going back several generations.

Nevertheless, they say, they have found themselves either unable to obtain or renew their CNICs. Most of those affected belong to KP or Balochistan, with Nadra suspecting them of being Afghan or, in more general terms, `non-national`.

Given its porous borders, strategic location within the crosscurrents of regional politics, and its fractious domestic politics, Pakistan`s overall security concerns require that utmost vigilance be exercised to ensure only bona fide Pakistanis obtain national identity documentation. Although in a country with a long history of in-migration, the definition of `bona fide Pakistanis` is debatable and can be applied in a less rigid and more humane manner, that perhaps is a discussion for another time. For now at least, those who have a legitimate claim to CNICs, but have been told their status is `suspect`, should not have to run from pillar to post to track the progress on their cases. In an increasingly digitised world, an identity card is a gateway to many practical aspects of life, such as opening a bank account, purchasing a cellphone SIM, buying property, gaining access to certain facilities, etc. Parents` CNICs are also the basis upon which children obtain the `B` form that is required for their enrolment in board examinations, to apply for their passports, and their own CNICs when they reach adulthood. Suffice to say, the refusal or cancellation of CNICs can have intergenerational repercussions. That is why it is so essential to ensure that no one is unjustly denied proof of nationality. One can, however, appreciate the security concerns slowing down the verification process, and Nadra`s attempts to avoid a repeat of embarrassing errors. After all, it was discovered earlier this year that it had issued a CNIC to the famed `Afghan girl` Sharbat Bibi.