ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has launched the National Sex Offenders Registry (NSOR), a pioneering platform aimed at monitoring individuals convicted of sexual crimes against women and children nationwide, according to an official statement released on Saturday.

Sexual crimes against women and children continue to be a pressing concern in Pakistan, despite various legal measures and the concerted efforts of the government and civil society organizations. Many cases still go unreported or unresolved.

The newly established database of convicted offenders will be accessible to citizens through an SMS service and will be continually updated in real-time with the assistance of law enforcement agencies and provincial administrations throughout the country.

“Preventing even a single child or woman from sexual abuse is not just an act of protection but also an investment in the future of our country,” Tariq Malik, chairman of NADRA, said in a statement. “We owe it to the weakest of the weak and our nation has to take this responsibility seriously.”

Malik highlighted that citizens could utilize the service to verify the computerized national identity card (CNIC) numbers of individuals before hiring them for household chores or employing them at universities, colleges, or workplaces.

By doing so, he pointed out, they could make informed decisions regarding the safety of their households and institutions.

Malik emphasized that the prevention of sexual abuse against women and children involved not only the punishment of offenders but also the establishment of a culture that prioritized safety and protection for the most vulnerable segments of society.

To utilize the service, citizens can simply send a 13-digit CNIC number via SMS to 7000. Following the verification process, they will receive a response in Urdu, cautioning them against allowing individuals included in the NSOR list to be in the presence of women or children.