Roll-out of biometric cards spark debate at WJ

KABUL (SW): Heated debate was sparked in the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) on Saturday by the roll-out of biometric identity cards few days back.

Harshly criticizing President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, some members of the house namely Abdul Latif Pidram and Rahela Saleem, said this move has sparked differences and contention among various ethnic groups in the country. He blamed the president for allegedly undermining the Constitution by going ahead with the distribution of the new identity cards.

However, other members defended the move as a crucial step, and right of all citizens.

Munawar Shah, one such member, said National Unity Government has fundamental importance for the country, and all citizens should back it.

President Ghani launched the long-due biometric cards on Thursday, but Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah opposed it.

ENDS