Senator Anusha Rehman on Monday accused the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of selling citizens’ thumbprints and misusing their personal data during elections. The allegations were raised during an Upper House session on the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill.

The senator emphasized the need to address these concerns through the IT Ministry’s proposed Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, which aims to regulate data management and ensure government entities like NADRA are held accountable.

Officials from the IT Ministry, including the IT Secretary, informed the session that the data protection bill is in its final stages of consultation with relevant departments. They assured lawmakers that the bill would soon be introduced for legislative approval. However, the committee chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the delay, stressing the urgency of implementing a robust framework to safeguard citizens’ data.

The panel agreed that the proposed legislation could address data security issues and ensure stricter oversight of entities like NADRA.

It is worth noting that the IT Ministry recently opposed the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, submitted as a Private Member’s Bill (PMB) by Senator Afnan Ullah. The ministry argued that the bill violates legislative policy, deviates from the constitutional framework, and fails to meet procedural and consultative requirements.

The ministry also highlighted a breach of Article 74 of the Constitution, which stipulates that any bill involving federal expenditure or withdrawals from the Federal Consolidated Fund must have the Federal Government’s consent before being introduced.

As the debate over data protection intensifies, lawmakers and government officials are under pressure to finalize and implement a comprehensive data protection framework.