PESHAWAR: The employees of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) have warned of launching countrywide protest if their demands are not accepted. Addressing a news conference here on Saturday, All Pakistan Nadra Employees Union (APNEU) President Saleem Sherpao asked the government to give them proper service structure and scale up-gradation forthwith. He said the Nadra employees had been waiting since long for up-gradation, medical as well as other facilities. He alleged that the Nadra management started victimising the employees when they raised voice for their rights as a number of workers across the country, including him, were dismissed from service. Saleem Sherpao criticised the management for misusing power, adding, the APNEU had always raised voice against corrupt officers in Nadra. He alleged that a large number of computerised national identity cards (CNICs) were issued to foreigners including Afghan nationals. He said the authorities took action against the union workers who had exposed corruption of officials. He criticised the media for remaining silent over the mega Regi Lalma scam in the province and asked it to become pro-workers. The APNEU president urged the prime minister, chief of army staff (COAS), chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) and Ministry of Interior to immediately announce a comprehensive service structure for employees of Nadra and threatened to take to the streets along with their children if their demands were not met. Saleem Sherpao attempted to commit self-immolation by sprinkling petrol on his body soon after the press conference. However, he was overpowered by his colleagues and reporters. He was later shifted to the hospital.
