Pakistan’s top data authorities briefed lawmakers on concerns linked to a major data leak and errors in official family records. The briefing took place during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology at Parliament House.
Officials from NADRA and the Ministry of Interior addressed issues related to security gaps and incorrect data entries. They discussed steps taken to improve database safety and restore public trust. The session also reviewed progress on Islamabad’s ongoing household survey.
The Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad informed the committee about the use of the Household App. He said fewer citizens are using self-enumeration tools. To improve coverage, authorities will soon launch a door-to-door survey application. This move aims to ensure accurate population records.
Interior Ministry officials said NADRA’s systems are now safer than before. They noted strong improvements over the past year. The current NADRA chairman has introduced new security features and monitoring tools. These measures were designed to prevent another data leak.
Lawmakers were told that earlier reviews exposed serious record flaws. Foreign nationals were wrongly added to Pakistani family trees. After detailed verification, nearly 80 percent of such entries were removed. Officials confirmed the cleanup process is ongoing across the country.
Authorities stressed the importance of verified data in the capital. They said knowing who lives in Islamabad is critical for security planning. Data gathered through self-enumeration plays a key role in this effort.
Concerns about a past data leak were also discussed in detail. Officials admitted that citizen information was once sold on the dark web. This raised serious privacy risks. Senator Afnanullah reminded the committee that earlier probes led to the dismissal of 15 NADRA officers. He said the damage caused by the breach was still significant.
NADRA officials responded by outlining new safeguards. They said third-party audits now review system security. These audits help identify weak points and improve protection standards. Officials assured lawmakers that public data is now better protected.
The committee was told that the NADRA chairman will present a full report soon. This briefing will explain updated security protocols and future plans. Lawmakers welcomed the steps but urged constant oversight.
The meeting ended with calls for accountability and transparency. Members agreed that preventing any future data leak must remain a top priority.
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