A joint investigation team (JIT) has made a shocking revelation regarding a significant breach of data security, confirming that the personal information of 2.7 million Pakistani citizens was compromised from the database of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra). This alarming news was disclosed in a report submitted to the Ministry of Interior by the JIT, which conducted an extensive investigation into the matter.
The JIT, led by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) official Syed Waqaruddin and consisting of representatives from various sensitive agencies along with Nadra’s nominees, uncovered the scandal. According to the report, the data theft occurred between the years 2019 and 2023.
The investigation focused on Nadra’s offices in Multan, Karachi, and Peshawar, where the data breach was identified to have taken place. It has been revealed that the stolen data was transferred from Multan to Peshawar before ultimately being sent to Dubai. Shockingly, the JIT’s findings indicate that the stolen Nadra data was subsequently traded in countries such as Argentina and Romania.
The JIT report has recommended disciplinary action against senior officials of Nadra deemed responsible for the negligence that facilitated this massive breach of data security. The Ministry of Interior is currently reviewing the contents of the report compiled by the JIT, and further actions are expected to be taken based on its recommendations.
This investigation was initiated following a cyber security incident in March 2023, which prompted the government to take swift action. The issue of data security had previously gained attention when information regarding senior military officials was leaked, drawing significant media scrutiny to the matter.
