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Express Tribune
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NADRA amends national ID card rules
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has implemented major amendments to the National Identity Card (NIC) Rules, 2002, in an effort to modernise the system. The changes are designed to enhance security of the NIC system, curb fraudulent practices, and ensure greater transparency and efficiency in identity management across the country. The NIC Rules were originally formulated in 2002, following the establishment of NADRA in 2000. NADRA prepared a comprehensive draft to align the rules with contemporary requirements. This framework has been approved by the Federal Cabinet and is now in effect. A key feature of the new regulations is the mandatory requirement of birth registration with union council before the issuance of the Child Registration Certificate (CRC/Form B). According to the revised rules, children under three years of age are exempt from providing biometric data and photographs. For children aged three to ten, a photograph and, where available, an iris scan is now required. For those aged ten to eighteen, biometric data, including fingerprints, photographs and iris scans, are mandatory. Each child will also be issued an individual CRC with a specified validity period. These reforms improve the accuracy of child identity records and play a vital role in preventing illegal registrations and child trafficking. Family Registration Certificate (FRC) has been granted legal status through these reforms. Applicants must now submit an undertaking confirming the accuracy of the information provided. Citizens can obtain the FRC solely based on NADRA's records. The new rules define three family types: Alpha (by birth), Beta (by marriage), and Gamma (by adoption). Individuals must register any unlisted family members. Corrections can be made through the mobile app or NADRA offices, and incorrect entries can be removed. Unlike the previous system, the updated FRC will now include full details of men with multiple marriages, reducing ambiguity. Furthermore, under the new regulations, married women are now allowed the facility to choose whether to display their father's name or their husband's name on their national identity card, according to their own preference. In addressing the challenges citizens previously faced in verification, confiscation and cancellation of identity documents, NADRA has introduced several improvements. Verification boards at district, regional and headquarters levels are now legally bound to resolve all such cases within thirty days. The rules now extend these same procedures to certificates (FRC, CRC) as well. The revised regulations introduce significant upgrades to Teslin identity card, which remains an affordable option for many citizens. These enhanced cards now feature key Smart Card security elements, including bilingual information in Urdu and English, easing passport applications. QR codes replace thumb impressions, offering modernized security without additional fees. The improved Teslin cards will continue to be issued quickly and at lower costs, making them more accessible to a broader population. A key aspect of the amendments is the voluntary correction facility, allowing individuals with incorrect identity records to proactively inform NADRA for legal protection and correction. To eliminate ambiguities and improve clarity, the amendments provide precise definitions for key identity management terms.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
West Lothian considers relaxing rules on access for vans at recycling centres
The head of Operational Services said he was prepared to consider 'tweaks' to rules which have so far barred those who drive vans or towing trailers to the five recycling centres. Householders with vans could soon be given access to West Lothian's recycling centres . The head of Operational Services said he was prepared to consider 'tweaks' to rules which have so far barred those who drive vans or towing trailers to the five recycling centres. But he stressed that trade waste remained banned from the sites and must go to commercial sites. The council's Governance and Risk Committee heard that the perception of fly-tipping was that it was growing, and one councillor said she believed it was. Pauline Orr, the SNP member for Linlithgow, said: 'The public perception out there is still very much that fly-tipping is on the increase. It's certainly something I'm aware of as I travel from Linlithgow to Livingston, there's an increase on the back roads.' David Maule, Head of Operational Services, which includes waste services acknowledged fly-tipping was 'certainly still an issue', but he stressed that fly-tipping largely was of commercial nature and featured large amounts of waste. He added: 'There is a public perception that it is a growing problem. From a council land point of view statistics don't show that it's increasing. What we are most concerned about is the types of material found fly-tipped. 'The majority of fly-tipping is of a commercial nature. We are very concerned when we see materials like asbestos at the side of the road or in fields. 'We work very hard to trace fly-tippers. When we find evidence we will take them to Fixed Penalty Notice or to prosecution.' Councillor Orr added: 'I've also had a number of complaints about the inability of commercial operators and of people who may just changed their bathroom or kitchen themselves but cannot get access to council recycling centres [in vans or with trailers].If we could make space available there would be less that gets dumped.' Mr Maule replied: 'The first point to make is around commercial waste. There are lots of commercial operations that will deal with commercial waste. In terms of households there are five sites operating and there is a booking system. You may not get your first preference, but you will get a booking. 'We are happy to look at any tweaks we can make, particularly looking at households who have vans or trailers to give them a bit more opportunity to use the sites.' That was welcomed by Councillor Orr and committee chair Councillor Damian Doran-Timson. Councillor Orr said 'Just so we are clear. Commercial vehicles should not be coming to CRC sites even in unmarked vans. Where is that they need to off load their rubbish?' Mr Maule agreed and replied: 'There are any number of private waste disposal companies that operate up and down the land.' A full list of what can and cannot be disposed of at CRC sites in available of the council's website.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Expert: Malaysia must balance law and humanity in Rohingya refugee crisis
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must urgently strike a balance between its domestic immigration policies and international humanitarian obligations in addressing the plight of Myanmar refugees, analysts say. Universiti Utara Malaysia's School of International Studies (Academic and International) deputy dean Dr Shazwanis Shukri said that while deporting the Rohingya — who make up the majority of Myanmar refugees in Malaysia — was not a viable option, the existing policy vacuum remained deeply concerning. She said that refugees continued to be treated as undocumented migrants, leaving thousands in legal limbo and vulnerable to exploitation, detention, and abuse. "The reality is that Malaysia has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, and therefore does not formally recognise refugees within its legal framework. "However, under customary international law, we are bound by the principle of non-refoulement — meaning we cannot return them to a country where they face persecution," she told the New Straits Times. Shazwanis said one practical approach would be to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to register Rohingya asylum seekers and issue identification cards that provide limited protection from arrest or deportation. However, she said that this informal arrangement had clear limitations, leaving many in prolonged uncertainty without access to legal employment, public education, or government healthcare services. To address these gaps, she proposed the introduction of a temporary protection framework tailored for the Rohingya community, recognising their unique status as stateless individuals and victims of systematic ethnic persecution. "This could include temporary residency rights, legal access to employment in specific sectors, and minimal access to essential services such as healthcare and education — ideally in partnership with NGOs and UN agencies," she said. Without such measures, Shazwanis said, Malaysia risked a cascade of humanitarian, legal, diplomatic, and security challenges. Legally, the government's current stance also contradicts its commitments under international conventions it has ratified, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). "There is also a growing security dimension to consider. Leaving a large population in limbo, with no legal status or livelihood options, creates opportunities for human trafficking, forced labour, and even recruitment into extremist networks," she added. She also urged a more active regional response through Asean, highlighting the absence of a formal refugee framework within the bloc. Meanwhile, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia should refrain from deporting Myanmar refugees, regardless of whether they are officially recognised by the UNHCR. "This is not about interfering in Myanmar's domestic affairs — it is a humanitarian matter. Deporting them now, under the current regime, risks exposing them to political persecution," he said. Azmi added that Malaysia had long accommodated not only Myanmar refugees but also undocumented migrants from other parts of the region, including Indonesia, despite lacking a formal refugee policy. As Asean chair this year, he said Malaysia had a chance to demonstrate leadership through compassion. "We must lead by example and show that we are capable of hosting the Rohingya, even if the Myanmar junta disapproves. "Until Myanmar returns to civilian rule and upholds the Asean Five-Point Consensus, we must prioritise humanitarian values." On June 16, Myanmar refugees in Malaysia
Edinburgh Reporter
4 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Householders with vans could be given access to West Lothian's recycling centres
Householders with vans could soon be given access to West Lothian's recycling centres . The head of Operational Services said he was prepared to consider 'tweaks' to rules which have so far barred those who drive vans or towing trailers to the five recycling centres. But he stressed that trade waste remained banned from the sites and must go to commercial sites. The council's Governance and Risk Committee heard that the perception of fly-tipping was that it was growing, and one councillor said she believed it was. Pauline Orr the SNP member for Linlithgow said: 'The public perception out there is still very much that fly tipping is on the increase. It's certainly something I'm aware of as I travel from Linlithgow to Livingston, there's an increase on the back roads.' David Maule, Head of Operational Services, which includes waste services acknowledged fly-tipping was 'certainly still an issue', but he stressed that fly-tipping largely was of commercial nature and featured large amounts of waste. He added: 'There is a public perception that it is a growing problem. From a council land point of view statistics don't show that it's increasing. What we are most concerned about is the types of material found fly tipped. 'The majority of fly-tipping is of a commercial nature. We are very concerned when we see materials like asbestos at the side of the road or in fields. 'We work very hard to trace fly-tippers. When we find evidence we will take them to Fixed Penalty Notice or to prosecution.' Councillor Orr added: 'I've also had a number of complaints about the inability of commercial operators and of people who may just changed their bathroom or kitchen themselves but cannot get access to council recycling centres [in vans or with trailers]. If we could make space available there would be less that gets dumped.' Mr Maule replied: 'The first point to make is around commercial waste. There are lots of commercial operations that will deal with commercial waste. In terms of households there are five sites operating and there is a booking system. You may not get your first preference, but you will get a booking. 'We are happy to look at any tweaks we can make, particularly looking at households who have vans or trailers to give them a bit more opportunity to use the sites.' That was welcomed by Councillor Orr and committee chair Councillor Damian Doran-Timson Councillor Orr said 'Just so we are clear. Commercial vehicles should not be coming to CRC sites even in unmarked vans. Where is that they need to off load their rubbish?' Mr Maule agreed and replied: 'There are any number of private waste disposal companies that operate up and down the land.' A full list of what can and cannot be disposed of at CRC sites in available of the council's website. By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian considers relaxing rules on access for vans at recycling centres
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Householders with vans could soon be given access to West Lothian's recycling centres . The head of Operational Services said he was prepared to consider 'tweaks' to rules which have so far barred those who drive vans or towing trailers to the five recycling centres. But he stressed that trade waste remained banned from the sites and must go to commercial sites. The council's Governance and Risk Committee heard that the perception of fly-tipping was that it was growing, and one councillor said she believed it was . Pauline Orr the SNP member for Linlithgow said: 'The public perception out there is still very much that fly-tipping is on the increase. It's certainly something I'm aware of as I travel from Linlithgow to Livingston, there's an increase on the back roads.' David Maule, Head of Operational Services, which includes waste services acknowledged fly-tipping was 'certainly still an issue', but he stressed that fly-tipping largely was of commercial nature and featured large amounts of waste. He added: 'There is a public perception that it is a growing problem. From a council land point of view statistics don't show that it's increasing. What we are most concerned about is the types of material found fly-tipped. "The majority of fly-tipping is of a commercial nature. We are very concerned when we see materials like asbestos at the side of the road or in fields. "We work very hard to trace fly-tippers. When we find evidence we will take them to Fixed Penalty Notice or to prosecution.' Councillor Orr added: "I've also had a number of complaints about the inability of commercial operators and of people who may just changed their bathroom or kitchen themselves but cannot get access to council recycling centres [in vans or with trailers] . If we could make space available there would be less that gets dumped.' Mr Maule replied: 'The first point to make is around commercial waste. There are lots of commercial operations that will deal with commercial waste. In terms of households there are five sites operating and there is a booking system. You may not get your first preference, but you will get a booking. 'We are happy to look at any tweaks we can make, particularly looking at households who have vans or trailers to give them a bit more opportunity to use the sites.' That was welcomed by Councillor Orr and committee chair Councillor Damian Doran-Timson Councillor Orr said 'Just so we are clear. Commercial vehicles should not be coming to CRC sites even in unmarked vans. Where is that they need to off load their rubbish?" Mr Maule agreed and replied: 'There are any number of private waste disposal companies that operate up and down the land.' A full list of what can and cannot be disposed of at CRC sites in available of the council's website.
