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Interior Ministry launches biometric B-Forms for Children over 10 to enhance security

Islamabad: The ministry of Interior, on directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has announced the introduction of a new B-Form equipped with advanced security features for children aged 10 and above.

This initiative aims to enhance identity verification and curb crimes such as identity theft, human trafficking, and illegal passport acquisition.

The new B-Form will now include mandatory fingerprint impressions and photographs of children in the specified age group.

According to officials, the phased rollout of these enhanced B-Forms will commence on January 15, 2025.

Speaking on the development, Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, "These measures will prevent the misuse of children's identity information and strengthen our national identification system. I commend NADRA and the Passport Department for their swift action in implementing these reforms."

In the first phase, children between the ages of 10 and 18 will need to visit NADRA centers, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, to provide their fingerprints and photographs.

Guardians must also present their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and the child's computerized birth certificate issued by the Union Council or Town Committee.

Once the process is completed, NADRA will issue a new B-Form featuring the child's photograph and biometric details. The updated document will be a prerequisite for obtaining a new passport for children in this age group.

The Ministry of Interior spokesperson confirmed that the old B-Form, which lacks biometric details, will no longer be accepted for children over 10 years old. Additionally, further reforms, such as integrating iris scans and enhancing services through the Pak-ID Mobile App, are planned for future phases.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate NADRA's systems with provincial civil registration databases and ensure the issuance of Digital IDs to all Pakistani citizens. "These steps will play a crucial role in securing the identity of our citizens and combating crimes effectively," said the spokesperson.

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DC Dera visits DHQ hospital to review under construction projects

Dera ismail khan: Deputy Commissioner (DC) DIKhan Sara Rahman conducted an extensive visit to District Headquarters Teaching Hospital to review progress on establishment of Cath Lab and enhancement of the Kidney center.

A spokesperson for district administration said that the Deputy Commissioner directed for early completion of construction work for ensuring treatment facilities to patients.

The DC ordered to speed up construction activities along with completing the upgradation of various projects within stipulated time.

The visit reflects a strong commitment to the improving healthcare services and advancing critical health infrastructure in DIKhan.

The DC said that the provision of these state-of-the-art facilities in DIKhan hospitals will reduce the problems faced by the people of DI Khan so that patients would not have to go for treatment to other cities including Islamabad, Multan and Lahore.

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IGP acknowledges valuable services of Registrar CPO Ghulam Mustafa

Lahore: A farewell ceremony was held on the retirement of Registrar Central Police Office, Deputy Director Ghulam Mustafa.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar and senior officers paid tribute to Registrar CPO Ghulam Mustafa for his valuable services.

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar remarked that Deputy Director Ghulam Mustafa's services for the police department would always be remembered, adding that through Deputy Director Ghulam Mustafa's consistent follow-up, administrative affairs were carried out in the best manner.

He further mentioned that Ghulam Mustafa is a kind-hearted person and retired with dignity and honor.

Deputy Director Ghulam Mustafa thanked IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar and all officers for their encouragement.

The IG Punjab and other officers presented Deputy Director Ghulam Mustafa with commemorative souvenirs, flowers, and gifts. Punjab Police Spokesperson shared that during his 34-year service, Deputy Director Ghulam Mustafa held key positions. Additional IGs, DIGs, MD Safe Cities Authority, and AIGs, along with senior officers of the Central Police Office, attended the ceremony.

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Sindh PAC for steps to recover Water Board’s dues

Karachi: The Public Accounts Committee of the Sindh Assembly, Wednesday, directed to initiate measures for recovery of Rs20 billion water charges due on different state owned entities and seek assistance of federal government in the regard.

The Sindh Assembly PAC, in a meeting presided over by the Chairman Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, reviewed audit paras pertaining to Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Ministry of Local Government, said a statement issued here.

The Sindh PAC directed the Additional Chief Secretary Local Government and CEO Water Board to communicate to the relevant federal government institutions for the payment of dues to federal institutions situated in the province.

The PAC also summoned the relevant officials of various federal government institutions to the PAC on January 21 in the regard.

The PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro said that the Water Board owed Rs20 Billion outstanding arrears of water charges to Pakistan Steel Mills, Sui Southern Gas, PSO, KPT, Pakistan Railways, PIA, National Shipping Corporation, Port Qasim Authority, Marine Fisheries, Cantonment Boards, Karachi Shipyard, Pakistan Machine Tool Factory, Cotton Export Corporation, and other institutions.

The some of the outstanding amount dates back to 2016 while only the Pakistan Steel Mills has to pay Rs10 billion arrears of water charges, he added.

Nisar Khuhro has said that Sindh has provided water facilities to federal institutions, but these federal institutions are not paying dues. He requested the federal government to take notice of the issue and initiate necessary measures for payment of dues to KWSB.

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Salman Agha confident of beating Proteas in Newlands test match

Lahore: All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has said that the Pakistan cricket team was confident of beating South Africa in the second and last test of the two-match series in Newlands, Cape Town starting from January 3 (Friday).

Talking to the journalists prior to a practice session in Newlands, Cape Town on Wednesday, he said the team lost the first test match in Johannesburg by a whisker, adding that the first test match was 'anyone's game' which the Proteas won due to tenacity of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

'Team's morale is very high as we lost by a close margin in the first test while we beat the Proteas in the three-match ODI series convincingly,' Salman said, expressing the hope that the second test match will be a 'cracker' of a contest.

He further said that the team has the belief that it can beat South Africa at their home soil, adding that they beat the Proteas in the ODI series but were a bit short in the first test match in Johannesburg.

To a question he said that the team was in good stead and no conclusions could be made about the pitch in Newlands, adding it looked a different strip from what team played on in Johannesburg with less amount of grass on the pitch.

About inclusion of a specialist spinner in the squad at Newlands, Salman Ali Agha, who is himself a spinner, said the team management will decide on it after having a look at the pitch tomorrow, adding that the statistics favour inclusion of a spinner at the Newlands.

'I just looked at the pitch and I thought I will bowl in this test match because I have not bowled during the past the three test matches I have played,' he responded to a question, adding his role will be important in the test match as an all-rounder.

About Muhammad Abbas, the all-rounder said 'Muhammad Abbas is very accurate and I have not seen anyone like him as he knows his job.' He was a bit rusty in the first innings of the Johannesburg test but he was outstanding in the second innings, adding it was Muhammad Abbas who brought us back in the game by claiming six scalps after Aiden Markram and Bavuma looked to finish easily. He further said it was amazing to see a quick bowl the whole first session on the fourth day of first test match in Johannesburg.

About the South African team in the WTC final, the all-rounder said that the Proteas are a formidable side with strong batting and bowling line-up, adding that their qualification for the WTC final speaks volumes about the quality of their cricketing skills.

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17 outlaws held;drugs & weapons recovered

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police apprehended 17 outlaws involved in different criminal activities including drug peddling and possessing illegal weapons and recovered drugs and weapons from their possessions, on Wednesday.

A police spokesperson told reporter that the Islamabad Police Kohsar, Sumbal, Shams Colony, Shahzad Town and Bani Gala police teams took legal action against accused involved in possessing illegal weapons, and drug peddling activities.

He said the police team also arrested 12 accused and recovered 210 grams heroin, 20 liters liquor, 05 pistols and dagger from their possession. Moreover, 05 absconders were also arrested from various areas of the city during the last 24 hours.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operation Muhammad Arslan Shahzaib said that the Islamabad Police is actively working to ensure the safety of citizens' lives and property in the federal capital, emphasizing that no elements will be allowed to disrupt citizens' peace.

Protecting the lives, property, and dignity of citizens is the Islamabad Police's top priority,he added.