Armless persons to get CNIC using toe impressions, assures NADRA

LAHORE: Disabled persons who do not have arms can now get their National Identity Cards issued using their toe impressions, NADRA assured the Lahore High Court on Saturday.

Lahore High Court judge, Justice Shahif Jamil Khan, had ordered NADRA to ensure this on the request of a petitioner who said a CNIC without a toe impression deprived him from availing certain facilities like issuance of mobile SIM card and opening of bank account.

The petitioner, Muhammad Nazak, had pleaded that the respondents were not implementing Regulation No 13 of NADRA (Application for National Identity Card) Regulation, 2002. As per the rule, an applicant whose hands are amputated shall put the impression of his/her left foot toe on the application form and if the left foot toe is also amputated, the impression of the right foot toe shall be put on the prescribed place in the form.

Earlier this year, Deputy Director (Operations) Mohsin Matloob had informed the court that certain amendments were required in NADRA's software module to implement the regulations. NADRA had sought time from the court for the amendments and issuance of CNIC with foot toe impression.

However, the petitioner approached the court again, stating the order had not been implemented. He told the court a CNIC was issued but the toe impression was not being verified by the software, which could enable him to avail the facilities. Matloob appeared before the court but not could give a satisfactory reply, which is why the chairperson of NADRA was directed to look into the matter.

During Saturday’s hearing, NADRA assured the court they would implement the required changes and keep a record of CNICs with toe impressions.