Verification by NADRA is nothing more than a joke:Forensic Scientist Muhammad Yunas Choudhry

Lahore(Muhammad Yonas Ch): Incidentally, I came upon a thumb impression on one of Pakistan’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) as shown in (a) above, it is unidentifiable because the friction ridges detail are covered with ink. This suggests that there could be thousands and thousands of unidentifiable thumb impressions which could be present in the National Database Regulatory Authority (NADRA); therefore, NADRA’s flawed database, voters’ verification is not possible.

Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) is a computerized system capable of reading, matching, and storing fingerprints. The Computer produces possible matches within minutes and narrows down the search. Subsequently, Finger Print Examiners compare the matching characteristics on both the known and unknown to be absolutely certain about a match because a person’s life is on the line by this determination. All around the world computerize matching system is being used for identification of criminals and unknown deceased individuals and there is no precedent to identify voters in mass numbers.

In order to identify an individual or a voter in this case by AFIS, a quality known thumb impression is compared against quality thumb impressions database stored in the computer. For comparison a thumb impression or certain specific friction ridge points on known impression as shown in Fig. (b) Are entered into the AFIS to search for possible matches against the database of fingerprint records. As a result the computer provides certain number of prints based on the set threshold (FBI default number is 20 impressions). The examiner then has to conclude a match or exclude it completely by conducting a comparison under a magnifier. Thus, it is a time consuming process and is not a quick or easy process as it is being considered by PTI leader Imran Khan. Failure to have quality thumb impressions on ballot papers and also, not having quality thumb impressions in the NADRA’S database will not identify Voters’ thumb impressions (“garbage in garbage out”).  

On June 27, 2014 National Database Regulatory Authority (NADRA) official submitted a ridiculous voters’ verification report for NA-118 constituency to the Election Tribunal (Dunya News). This official failed to realize that the system was not able to identify 25,000 Pakistani citizens due to possibly, having bad thumb impressions as given in Fig (a) in the AFIS database. Whereas, he was only able to identify 15 thousand, and an additional 50,000 votes were missing.

 

NADRA’s personnel need to think before reporting ridiculous results and making false claims about their identifying capabilities. Instead, it would have been better if they could have testified before the Election Commission Tribunal that voters’ verification by thumb impressions is not possible rather than being deceptive. Since, NADRA is incapable of conducting Voters’ verification reliably. Therefore, Imran Khan’s claim for thumb impressions identification and Supreme Court decision is unrealistic and technically impossible.

 

Thus, Chaudhary Nisar’s (interior Minister) statement that “there are possibly fifty to sixty thousands votes in every constituency” is unidentifiable by NADRA which does not mean that those votes are factitious as it is misconstrued by Imran Khan. 

It is to be pointed out that in the United States there is no concept of Magnetic Ink for the use of fingerprinting purposes. Whereas, in some instances Magnetic Powder is being used to develop Latent Fingerprints. It appears that someone in the Pakistan Election Commission created this concept, possibly in ignorance. Therefore, the use of so called “magnetic ink” and not having thumb impressions in specified areas on ballots is merely an excuse of NADRA’S inability to verify voters’ impressions.

In the United States of America only, the FBI is the only one who has established biometric identification system (added iris, palm and foot prints along with finger prints) known as integrated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) for the identification of criminals, only. Therefore, Imran Khan’s demand for the use of a Biometric system for voter’s identification is also not genuine, impractical, a waste of time and money.

 

In the United States the Driver License picture is being used to identify each Voter at the entrance of the polling station similarly, in Pakistan photo and National identity Card number should be used to allow a voter to cast his/her vote. In doing so, one can easily verify voters just by entering their National Identity Card Numbers.

 

Further, the Politicians should train their agents for each polling stations in their constituencies who should be vigilant enough so that no factitious vote shall be casted. Once, the votes are counted, in the presence of their agents and sign the results, the defeated candidate should have no right to blame any official of the polling station or the election commission for rigging the election. Instead the losing candidate should have moral courage to accept the defeat and congratulate the opponent as it happens in civilized countries.

 

Recounting is Also Unjust Due to Disappearance or Presence of Fake Additional Ballots:

Concerning disappearance or presence of additional Fake Ballots in thousands as reported in other constituencies, clearly indicates of some mischievous activities that could have occurred from the time the ballots were transferred from the polling station to the Election Commission and/or then subsequently, to NADRA offices. In the United States during the process of transfer of evidence, chain of custody is maintained which is a document that shows date, time and person (s) involved in changing hands. However, in Pakistan bribery or use of an authority or an official personal emotional attachment with any political party can make the ballots added or disappear. They can break the seals and create seals and can make everything look like real or they can report anything without any basis, whatsoever. In Pakistani offices or agencies anything is possible. Thus, the only results that should be considered valid and reliable are those that are produced in the presence of the representatives of candidates, at the polling stations.

 

In conclusion, the verification by NADRA is nothing more than a joke due to its flawed database and not to say that those unidentifiable votes are factitious as Imran Khan is trying to misconstrue. Any Verification or even recounting would not be valid because anything can happen during transfer of ballots from polling stations or while in the custody of Election Commission and/or NADRA and especially, after lapse of more than one year of time. Any political leader or a candidate can demand verification or recounting after having such changes made by bribery or through his favorite officials in agencies, possibly.   

 

It is suggested:

(a) In future this unnecessary fruitless exercise of thumb impressions on ballots should not be done.

• NADRA offices in Pakistan and overseas Pakistani Consulates who are dealing with COP/NICOP cards, should not accept applications with improper thumb impressions like in above (a);
• There is a need to establish a quality database with live scan (new fingerprinting technology) and directly storing in computer.

The writer  Muhammad Yunus Choudhry

M.Sc., M.Phil. (Physics) M.S., Forensic Science (CUNY-USA), F. AAFS

Former Senior Forensic Chemist-Criminalist

U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC)

(Not affiliated with any Political Party of Pakistan)

 

Being a Pakistani-American Forensic Scientist, I felt obligated to provide a Forensic Aspects of these issues and to make aware of the facts for the wellbeing of my nation.  I can be reached at 404-695-2423 at any time or by email yunuschoudhry@gmail.com  for any additional possible assistance.