ISLAMABAD: In a breach of security protocol involving the data of Pakistani citizens, Nadra acquired 30 million smart cards without obtaining clearance from government intelligence agencies for the final selected bidder.
The Auditor General of Pakistan’s audit report for the 2022-23 fiscal year revealed that management was obligated to seek security clearance from Pakistani government security agencies for the chosen bidder, a requirement that was not fulfilled.
Despite auditors’ requests for records related to security clearance of the smart cards from relevant government intelligence agencies, such documentation was not provided for examination.
The audit report highlighted that no security clearance was obtained from the government’s security agencies, and it pointed out the lack of verification of bidding documents and associated reference letters by Nadra’s management to ensure their authenticity.
Nadra’s smart card, containing personal details such as name, date of birth, gender, as well as biometric data like fingerprints and facial recognition, incorporates various security features to safeguard against counterfeiting and protect the cardholder’s identity.
Nadra’s management defended its actions by stating that, according to the bidding document’s clause 11.6, security clearance for the selected bidder was not obligatory, especially considering the selected bidder’s status as the current supplier of smart cards.
The audit report, part of the extensive “CONSOLIDATED AUDIT REPORT (FEDERAL GOVERNMENT) FOR THE AUDIT YEAR 2022-23,” appears to pertain to the Shehbaz Sharif-led PDM government’s tenure.
The audit flagged the issuance of a purchase order for 30 million smart cards without obtaining security clearance and the failure to verify bidding documents and reference letters as irregularities.
Furthermore, the report indicated excess procurement of smart cards amounting to $4.5 million due to the violation of Nadra’s smart card procurement procedures.
The audit recommended clarification on the reasons for bypassing security clearance requirements and failing to verify bidding documents as mandated by clause 11.6 of the bidding documents, along with assigning responsibility for these lapses.
Additionally, it was noted that the procurement was initiated without determining the reorder quantity and level, leading to excessive procurement of 4,546,170 smart cards.
The audit also highlighted that, at the time of procurement initiation, an adequate quantity of smart cards was already available, and the ordered quantity exceeded the foreseeable need based on past consumption patterns, indicating hasty procurement in contravention of regulations and standard operating procedures.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
