Distribution of e-ID cards kicks off — finally

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani received his computerised national identity card (CNIC) on Thursday when the long-delayed nationwide distribution process got under way.

First Lady Rula Ghani (Bibi Gul), Vice-President Sarwar Danish, Deputy CEO Eng. Mohammad Khan, Yousaf Halim, NSA Hanif Atmar, the Ulema Council head and other officials also received their ID cards.

Addressing the ceremony, President Ghani called the card distribution process a symbol of national unity and a vital step toward modernisation of the country. The identity of each Afghan had been established, he remarked.

Ghani hailed the process as an important step towards the development and delivery of balanced services, good governance, economy progress and identification of the population, It would play an important role in budget spending.

He claimed the ID card delivery exercise enjoyed full support of the masses. No group or individual would be allowed to undermine the national process, something that sparked several protests, Ghani vowed.

In an oblique reference to opposition from some quarters, the president quoted Ahmad Shah Massood as proudly saying: “I am an Afghan Muslim. That is my national identity.”

He went on to ask the Afghans to receive their ID cards whenever they were. “The most important reason today for the start of the process was recent terrorist attacks. The suicide bomber might have got a fake ID card. The most significant decision for me is to ensure the security of citizens.”

The president explained the launch of the CNIC distribution did not mean the invalidation of paper ID card. He urged all citizens to get paper ID card and take part in the elections.

Houmayun Mohtat, the census department head, said it was a great honor for the Afghanistan government to launch the process of distribution of electronic ID cards that were to international standards.

The credit goes to leaders of the unity government and the Afghan nation, according to Mohtat, who hoped the CNIC distribution process would have positive effects on economic growth and help ensure transparency in government affairs.

sa/mud

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