ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) recently submitted documents comprising identity details of over 10,205 nationals to the court of law.
The documents contained a report stating that approximately 10,081 individuals have amended their religion on National Identity cards over a period of 16 years. The individuals were previously misstated as Muslims in the religion section on the Identity cards. However, after applications for religion modification they were issued new cards stating them as Ahmadis.
The report added that another 124 children also got their religion corrected by NADRA. As per the report, the age groups that amended their religion consisted of 3346 under 30, 3014 from 31 to 40 years, 1459 nationals in 41 to 50 years age group, 1200 between 50-60 years and 1062 above 60 years of age.
The reports stated that altogether 167,473 individuals are registered as Ahmadis under NADRA. The report mentioned of a timeframe pertaining to the change of religion on NIC over a period extending from issuance of NIC in first year, to five years and eight years to declare the religion modification.
The court took notice of the increasing number of religious modifications, directing the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to probe into travel history and passport validity of such nationals. NADRA has also introduced procedural amendments to its regulations and rules, demanding a court decree mandatory before the application of modification in religion. Also the court declared submission of a faith affidavit must for applying for jobs in the government sector, semi-government sector and for positions under state Institutions.
The court has requested the parliament to pass necessary legislation regarding religion that doesn’t consist of loopholes for the minorities or individuals from any other religion to hide their identity under the banner of Muslim or Islam.
