Biometrics system for prisoners: SHC seeks progress report from Nadra

KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday sought the progress report from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) after it was informed that no prison in the province has a biometrics system. A division bench of SHC also summoned Sindh Home Secretary and IG Prison in next hearing while hearing a petition about "fake prisoners" in prisons.

The report was submitted by the Sindh Home Department, the prisons inspector general and legal assistant inspector general.

It disclosed that seven prisons, including Naushahro Feroze and Hyderabad's, lack proper staff and computers. The biometrics system is limited to meetings and plans.

Sindh government's attorney Shahryar Mehr said that a biometrics system is being installed at prisons. "It will help monitor the prisoners," he said.

"Seven jails of Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur are being upgraded in the first phase," report said. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar said the biometrics system will benefit the Home department and Sindh police.

Ansar Burney Trust had filed the petition in the SHC into fake prisoners, being kept in prisons.

The court sought a progress report from the National Database and Registration Authority and adjourned the hearing till November 26.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020