Musharraf launches machine-readable passport, Nadra told to open MRP offices network

President General Pervez Musharraf while formally launching Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) project directed the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to establish a network of offices across the country for prompt issuance of MRP to public by June 2005.
The President also announced that all old 'manual' passports would be revoked after June 2006.
He issued these directives in a surprise visit of Nadra headquarters here on Tuesday which was followed by a meeting which attended by Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Minister of State for Interior Shahzad Waseem and Nadra Chairman Brigadier Saleem Moeen.
The President said that introduction of sate-of-the-art MRP would play a significant role in eradication of crime from the society. The system would also eliminate human discretion at passport offices and border exit/entry points during verification of travel documents, he added.
The President appreciated the MRP and other registration services being providing to Pakistan's citizens.
He said that June 2006 would be the cut-off date for old passports, and added that now Pakistani passport would be the best, reliable and credible document.
He also appreciated the achievements and efforts of Nadra with regard to introduction of new concepts and ideas while compiling of database information and translating a number of concepts including Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs), Motor Vehicle Registration (MCR), automated Boarder Control System (ABCS), Child Registration Certificate (CRC), Verisys and Biosys, and especially Machine-Readable Passport.
The President said that it was a matter of great honour that all of the Machine-Readable Passport project had been designed and developed indigenously by the talented workforce.
Nadra Chairman said that latest technologies such as biometrics, digital, printing recognition techniques, image communication, machine-readability and on-line data support were designed to provide a comprehensively integrated system with indigenous inputs to meet the security and passenger facilitation challenges of the future.
Briefing the President he said that the government is committed to bring about positive changes in the lifestyle of the citizens by introducing new technologies in government departments.