ISLAMABAD: The interior minister has warned officials of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) against displaying slackness in the verification campaign of the Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs).

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, chairing a highlevel meeting on Wednesday, reminded the officials concerned to strictly follow the launching and completion of the whole processwithin the stipulated period of six months.

He directed the Nadra chairman to quickly begin the verification campaign by sending messages to 105 million CNIC holders across the country.

`This important security objective can only be achieved once the verification drive ends with successful elimination of all aliens from the database,` he remarked.

The Nadra chief briefed the minister about the media campaign the organisation had prepared for creating awareness among the generalpublic regarding the verincation campaign.

Chaudhry Nisar approved the format Nadra had prepared for proclaimed offenders (POs). The minster was also updated on information the FIA, police and ANF had shared about 7,678 POs with the national registration authority.

Islamabad police have arrested 1,196 POs since April.

The minister directed law enforcement agencies to benefit from Nadra databank.

He also directed the FIA, ANFand Islamabad Police to speed up their operation against criminals.

Regarding recruitment, the interior minister asked the IG Islamabad to put in place a transparent and merit-based system which should provide equal opportunities to talented youth.

The director general, immigration and passport, briefed the minister on online renewal of passports.

The minister directed the DG to ensure that online facility was available to expatriates and nationals living in Pakistan at minimum possible cost.