Pakistan
NADRA Procures Smart Cards Without Security Clearance
A recent audit report by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has revealed that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) procured 30 million smart cards without obtaining necessary security clearance from government intelligence agencies.
Security Clearance Not Obtained
- NADRA failed to obtain security clearance for the final selected bidder, despite being obligated to do so.
- The audit team requested records related to security clearance but were not provided with any.
- The absence of security clearance indicates that no such clearance was obtained from security agencies.
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Procurement Irregularities
- NADRA failed to conduct verification of bidding documents and associated reference letters to ensure their authenticity and accuracy.
- The procurement of 30 million smart cards was made in violation of NADRA’s smart card procurement Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs).
- The excess procurement of smart cards valued at $4.5 million was made without establishing the re-order quantity and re-order level of stock.
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NADRA’s Response
- NADRA claimed that security clearance was not mandatory according to the bidding document.
- The selected bidder is also the current supplier of smart cards.
Audit Report Findings
- The procurement process was conducted without following NADRA’s SoPs.
- The excess procurement of smart cards has resulted in a loss of $4.5 million.
The audit report highlights serious irregularities in the procurement process of smart cards by NADRA.
The failure to obtain security clearance and the excess procurement of smart cards without following SoPs raise concerns about the transparency and accountability of the process.
