On Tuesday, Tariq Malik, the Chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), tendered his resignation, attributing his decision to a “charged and polarized political environment.”
During a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House, Tariq Malik submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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NADRA Chairman Resigns
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, a copy of which has been obtained by ProPakistani, Tariq Malik expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead NADRA and his interactions with numerous remarkable individuals and institutions. However, he expressed the growing challenge of carrying out his duties within a highly charged and politically polarized environment.
Tariq Malik highlighted the inherent difficulty faced by professionals in upholding their integrity and independence within an environment that perpetuates a divisive “us versus them” mentality, where political loyalty takes precedence over competence. He emphasized that such circumstances make it challenging for individuals to thrive and contribute effectively.
“I belong to a modest family of scholars, and our unwavering allegiance to Pakistan is well-known. My principles hold greater significance to me than the compromises that may be expected. Regardless of which political party is in power, be it Party X, Y, or Z, I have endeavored to dutifully serve every ruling administration with integrity and elegance. I have truthfully advocated for NADRA before various exclusive committees within the parliament. Whether a member of parliament represents the governing party or the opposition, I have addressed all legitimate concerns expressed by diverse stakeholders,” he expressed.
“When the Election Commission of Pakistan requested my assistance, I collaborated with political stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. I corresponded with more than 300 political parties and provided them access to NADRA, enabling them to witness the process of voter list creation in the presence of ECP officials. I firmly believe in the transformative influence of inclusive institutions that surpass individual personalities and political factions,” Malik expressed.
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He expressed that it was becoming progressively challenging to uphold the crucial equilibrium in the prevailing politically intense atmosphere. “Hence, I would like to step down from my position as the Chairman of NADRA. I hereby submit this letter as my formal resignation,” he declared.
In his correspondence, he also appealed to the prime minister, urging against the appointment of a current or former bureaucrat for the position. He expressed that the organization “requires a highly skilled professional with expertise in technology and management.”
He remarked that in 2013, Pakistan had a significant advantage over India’s Aadhaar experience. Nonetheless, despite being a frontrunner in this domain, the absence of a consistent and well-coordinated approach to managing this vital national institution has caused us to fall behind.
“NADRA cannot afford any further political experimentation and must be safeguarded as one of Pakistan’s esteemed institutions,” he emphasized.
This marked his second tenure as the Chairman of NADRA, with the first one concluding in 2013. During that time, the then PML-N government dismissed him from the position; however, he was subsequently reinstated by the Islamabad High Court. Eventually, he decided to resign, citing intense pressure from the government.