In Pakistan, the federal government has, in principle, approved a uniform system all over the country for Police Character Certificates and now citizens are applying for the certificates from a central portal online.
This was decided at a meeting held at the National Police Bureau (NPB) presided over by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Police Character Certificate Process to Go Online
The proposed system will allow the National Police Bureau to issue Police Clearance Certificates using a centralized online system.
The existing process was streamlined and will be transformed into a fully electronic process, said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. With its implementation, citizens will be able to obtain their Police Clearance Certificates at home without having to visit police offices repeatedly.
The transfer will shorten the paperwork, delay, and simplify the application of the certificate.
Centralized System for Citizens Across Pakistan
The process of obtaining police clearance or character certificates is currently different in each province and region. The new program will be designed to implement a uniform system throughout the nation.
All applications are supposed to be submitted online via the centralized platform and all necessary verification process completed online.
The programme is one of the government’s ongoing initiatives to modernise public services using digital technologies.
International Driving Permits to Also Get Uniform System
The interior minister also instructed officials to formulate a common national system for the issuance of International Driving Permits (IDPs) across the country, during the meeting.
The system is designed to make it easier for Pakistanis to obtain IDPs for overseas trips.
The government said both Police Character Certificate and International Driving Permits will be put under a standardized system, which will help to avoid unnecessary delays and make government services more accessible.
Easier Services for Pakistanis Travelling Abroad
Police clearance certificates and international driving permits are the most frequently requested documents by Pakistanis for jobs, visas, etc. to travel abroad or study abroad.
The digital systems planned could enable applicants to do many of the processes remotely, cutting the need to visit government offices.
The changes are supposed to make public services quicker, easier and clearer, the government says.
Pakistan has taken another step towards going online with the approval of a new Police Character Certificate system nationwide. After the implementation, citizens can get Police Clearance Certificates from the National Police Bureau’s centralized system sitting in the comfort of their homes.
In the planned uniform system for IDP, it is expected that travel related documentation will become easier for Pakistanis travelling abroad also.
