Islamabad: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has accepted the resignation of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Tariq Malik, who was facing allegations of corruption during the procurement of iris recognition system.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) subpoenaed the country on June 6, seeking procurement records of the IRIS system, payments of $3.5 million, PC-1 as well as related tenders and newspaper advertisements.
NAB also wants to examine the details of rules and regulations provided by NADRA to its contractors. It was also reported that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has imposed a travel ban on the country, preventing them from leaving the country until the investigation is completed.
According to the NADRA spokesperson, Malik submitted his resignation during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House.
The spokesperson further said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the services of Nadra Malik as Chairman.
The Prime Minister hoped that the country would continue to play its role in the development and prosperity of the country in the future as well.
After the meeting, Malik issued a statement in which he said he had introduced more than 45 modern services and facilities during his two-year stay.
He further said that the United Nations has recently appointed him as the head of the Technical Advisory Committee of the ‘National Human Development Report 2023’ to be prepared for digital revolution in Pakistan.
Malik added that it was not only an honor for him but also gave him a great opportunity to further his mission.
In addition, he will continue to play his role in strengthening the Parliament in Pakistan by advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) activities from the United Nations platform.
Through Zindagi Trust, they will improve the situation of children in the country.
Speaking to JEE News, Malik said that political polarization was not mentioned regarding the current government, as “there is no pressure on me and any such impression is wrong”.
“It is written in my resignation that the projects received from the United Nations are to be completed while staying in Pakistan and I also have to run the trust.
I am satisfied with the Government of Pakistan and the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has read my resignation and appreciated it.
Malik maintained that he was in the country and had no intention of going abroad, saying: “I also have to complete the UN project while staying in Pakistan.”
In his resignation letter to the prime minister, a copy of which is available with JEE News, Malik cited the “politically charged and polarized environment” as a hindrance to his work.
“While it has been an absolute honor to lead NADRA, to be associated with so many wonderful people and institutions, and to learn so much, it is increasingly difficult for me to work in a charged and polarized political environment,” he wrote.
He said it is difficult for any professional to maintain his integrity and independence in an environment that constantly pigeonholes people into the logic of “us versus them” and where political loyalty is prioritized over merit.
“As you may know, I belong to a humble family of academics whose loyalty to Pakistan is reprehensible. My values are more important than the compromises expected of me. Regardless That Party X, Y, Z is in power, I have tried to serve all the present governments with honor and grace. I have faithfully represented NADRA in various Select Committees of Parliament. Belonging to or from the opposition bench, I have fulfilled all the legitimate concerns of various stakeholders,” the resignation read.
He urged the Prime Minister not to appoint any serving or retired bureaucrat as the Chairman of NADRA.
“The organization deserves a consummate professional with a background in technology and management. In 2013, Pakistan was light years ahead of India’s Aadhaar experience. However, despite being a leader in the field, handling this important national organization “The lack of a consistent and coherent approach has left us behind,” he added.
He wrote that NADRA could not afford any more “political experiments” and needed to be preserved as an island of Pakistan.
Malik said that when he was called to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), he worked with all political stakeholders, irrespective of their background.
“I wrote letters to over 300 political parties and opened the doors of NADRA for them to see how voter lists are prepared in the presence of ECP. I fundamentally believe in the transformative power of inclusive institutions. That transcends individuals and parties,” he continued.
Malik said that in the current politically charged environment it is becoming difficult to maintain the important balancing act.
Therefore, I would like to step down from my duties as Chairman of NADRA. Please accept this letter as my resignation notice,” he said.
