Islamabad: Lieutenant General Munir Afsar has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Database and Regulatory Authority (NADRA).
Lt. Gen. Munir Afsar, who currently holds the position of Inspector General Communication and Information Technology (IG Communication and IT) at the General Headquarters (GHQ), brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is a distinguished officer originating from the esteemed 16 Punjab Regiment, with a background in military IT expertise.
This appointment follows the tenure of Asad Rehman, who had taken on the role of acting Chairman of NADRA following the resignation of Tariq Malik on June 13.
Lt. Gen. Munir Afsar’s extensive military career has seen him excel in various domains, including international missions and geospatial information systems. He has been actively involved in United Nations missions and possesses expertise in geospatial information systems and remote sensing.
Of note, Lt. Gen. Munir’s commitment to public service was evident in his research and publication of a research paper on public policy response during the aftermath of the 2010 floods. This endeavor was carried out under the auspices of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), where he had previously served as Director General Technology (DC Tech).
It’s essential to mention that the appointment of Lt. Gen. Munir Afsar as Chairman of NADRA comes amidst significant changes in regulations. The NADRA Ordinance had previously stipulated that only an independent individual could hold this position. However, in a notable decision made in August, the interim federal cabinet approved regulations allowing military personnel to assume leadership roles within the institution.
With Lt. Gen. Munir Afsar at the helm, NADRA is poised for a new era under his leadership, as he combines his military experience with a deep commitment to public service and technological expertise. This appointment marks a significant development in the organization’s history, as it adapts to evolving regulatory guidelines.
