Action has been taken against 39 NADRA officials in Karachi for their involvement in issuance of fake identity cards, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said on Monday.

Addressing a news conference, the interior minister further said that similar action will be initiated in other cities as well.

He further said that the ministry was working to devise a new policy of verification, renewal and correction of CNICs.

“India and Israel have started a hybrid war against Pakistan, and they want to put a question mark on the data of NADRA,” Rashid said in reference to the recent Pegasus project report which highlighted that India used an Isreli spyware to target Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The minister stated that he has directed NADRA chairman to issue the new policy within 14 days.

He said there were thousands of foreigners living in Pakistan over the last many years without renewal of their visas.

“These foreigners should leave Pakistan before August 14 or get their visas renewed through online application,” he said adding that no fine will be imposed on them if they apply for the renewal of the visa.

The interior minister said the cyber-crime wing of FIA will also be developed on modern lines to improve its performance and efficiency.

Speaking about the fencing along the Pak-Afghan border, Rashid said that the work will be completed by August 14 whilst 46 to 48 per cent fencing on the border with Iran has been completed.

The minister asked the opposition parties to refrain from issuing irresponsible and non-parliamentary statements. He asked Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan and face corruption chanrges against him.