20000221

NDO to provide

computerised ID

cards at doorsteps

ISLAMABAD: The National Database Organisation (NDO) will provide computerised national identity cards at the doorsteps of the people to save the common man fron inconvenience.

NDO Chief Maj Gen. Zahid Khan in an interview with Radio Pakistan here said 67 million people had filled the national data base forms which have been sifted with the help of the Pakistan Army.

He said 38 million forms are now ready for the issuance of computerised national identity cards.

He said the price of the national identity card has been kept at an affordable range for the common man.

The NDO chief said that all those who had applied for computerised National ID cards during the fifth National Census would get their cards at their doorstep against payment of Rs. 15.

He said the government would give a deadline for the expiry of the existing identity cards and fresh applicants will cost Rs. 35 for each national identity card. He said during the first phase, computerised national identity cards will be issued to those who applied for the purpose during census and fresh applications would be entertained later.

To a question Maj. Gen. Zahid Khan said that National Data Network linking districts to the provincial and federal governments would been ready by December this year adding that Tehsil headquarters will also be linked with this network by December 2001.

He pointed out that when database is created, a computer network would be available for online use of database within Pakistan. PPI