Daily Times

National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Tariq Malik has resigned from his position, citing a “politically charged and polarised environment” as a reason for his decision, a private TV channel reported.

Malik presented his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a meeting at Prime Minister’s House on Tuesday. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the services of Malik and expressed hope that he would continue to play his role in the country’s progress and prosperity in the future.

In his letter to the prime minister, Malik cited a “politically charged and polarised environment” a hurdle in working. “While it has been an absolute honour to lead NADRA, to have connected with so many wonderful individuals and institutions, and to have learnt so much, I find it increasingly difficult to work in a charged and polarised political environment,” he wrote.

He said it is difficult for any professional to maintain his integrity and independence in an environment that constantly pigeon-holes people in an “us versus them” logic and where political loyalty is privileged over competence.

“As you might know, I come from a humble family of academics whose loyalty to Pakistan is beyond reproach. My values are more important than compromises that are expected of me. Irrespective of whether Party X, Y, Z is in power, I have tried to serve all incumbent governments with dignity and grace. I have made honest representations on behalf of NADRA to various select committees in the parliament. Whether a parliamentarian belongs to the treasury or the opposition bench, I have served all legitimate concerns of different stakeholders.” He also urged the prime minister not to appoint a serving or retired bureaucrat to the post of NADRA chairman. “The organisation deserves a thorough professional with a background in technology and management. In 2013 Pakistan was light years ahead of India’s Aadhar experience. However, despite being a leader in the field, the lack of a consistent and coherent approach to dealing with this critical national organisation has left us trailing behind,” he added.

He further said that NADRA cannot afford further “political experimentation” and needs to be protected as one of Pakistan’s island of excellence.

Malik stated that when he was called up to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan, 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 list is made with ECP in presence. I fundamentally believe in the transformative power of inclusive institutions that outlive persons and parties.”

Malik said that it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the important balancing act in the current politically charged environment.

“I would, therefore, like to be relieved of my duties as the Chairman of NADRA. Please accept this letter as a notice of my resignation,” he stated.

Meanwhile, reports said that Malik’s resignation came as National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was investigating corruption allegations against him regarding irregularities in the purchase of IRIS scanning systems.

It was also reported that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has imposed a travel ban on Malik, preventing him from leaving the country until the completion of the investigation.