Although I was born in India, after partition my parents migrated to Pakistan in 1950. I have been living in Karachi for the last 64 years.

My children are highly qualified and doing jobs in their respective fields. They all have ‘Pakistan’s permanent residence certificate’ (PRC). At this stage when I am a senior citizen of Pakistan, I was rather surprised when I approached Nadra’s Ittehad office in the DHA to obtain a smart card.

I was asked to provide the ‘permanent residence certificate’ (PRC). I informed them that I had been living in this city for the last 64 years.

I received my schooling in Karachi and got my postgraduate degree here. I have been a regular taxpayer for years. Moreover, during this period, I obtained four passports and three CNICs from Karachi. When all relevant documents like academic qualifications, private service certificates and domicile from Karachi are available, why was the PRC required for a smart card?

If such documents are mandatory, why isn’t a notice displayed at Nadra’s offices, and why is it disclosed after receiving Rs1,500 fee and completing all data entries? All such instructions should have been displayed at the main entrance. The information office should also apprise the person before accepting the fee.

Most importantly, why is the PRC required from a senior citizen who is providing all other relevant documents, as mentioned above, which provide sufficient evidence of him being a Pakistani national and permanent resident?

The higher authorities should look into the matter.

Shaikh M. Iqbal

Karachi