KABUL (SW) – The Population Registration Directorate announced up to 40,000 citizens have so far applied in the capital Kabul alone to obtain the proposed biometric identity cards.
Ruhullah Ahmadzai, spokesman for the PRD, told journalists here on Sunday two more centers to issue the ID cards would be established in the capital amid growing demand for the new cards. He said due to the lengthy four-step procedure, only 1500 people have managed to get the new cards.
Officials informed, currently the ID card issuing centers are functional in Wazir Akbar Khan and Karta-4 areas of the city. The ID card issuing drive would be extended to different provinces after the initial phase of six months in Kabul.
The word ‘Afghan’ on the face of these new cards sparked opposition resulting in calls for removal of this word from the proposed IDs. However, those in favor of this word claim it is the historic and legal identity of people living in Afghanistan, and should be marked on the cards.
Among those opposing the new cards is Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Unity Government. Mujibur Rehman Rahimi, spokesman for the CEO, told Salam Watandar the ID cards issuing drive is ‘one-sided and illegitimate’. He did not elaborated plans in the face of issuing of the ID cards.
Shah Hussain Murtazawi, spokesman for the president, clarified the ID cards are being issued legally after completing all formalities.
ENDS
