Nadra offers AFIS help to identify disaster victims

The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has volunteered its services to Pakistan Army for identification of soldiers trapped in Gayari snow-slide once they are found as it is in close contact with the relevant authorities for the purpose. This has been revealed in a report submitted by the Nadra here Tuesday. According to the report it deployed its Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Unit in the rescue and recovery operation after the Bhoja Air crash on the orders of Chairman Nadra Friday last. The DVI Unit, headed by Director General, National Data Warehouse, Syed Muzaffar Ali, provided critical assistance and technical support in the identification of the bodies of the deceased. The report claimed that in many instances, bodies are charred or decomposed beyond recognition rendering them unidentifiable through conventional means. The DVI uses its Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for establishing identification of the victims. The fingerprint samples taken by Nadra teams are compared with the existing records in the database and then identity is verified before handing over the remains to the respective families. The Nadra identified 7 bodies of the Bhoja air crash without delay through AFIS. It has the capacity to use facial imaging and recognition tools for identification and can help local law enforcement authorities with DNA identification as well. The first body was identified within a few hours of recovery; the speedy identification was greatly appreciated by the media and the relatives of deceased. The Nadra has previously helped in rescue and relief operations in many parts of Pakistan, including the floods of 2010, 2011 and Air Blue crash and other disasters. The report suggested that one can easily determine that if this would had not been there, many days must be needed in identification of dead bodies. In that case their relatives will have to undergo the stress and agony for fairly long time. The report noted that the federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik and the relevant authorities appreciated the Nadra staff efforts, dedication and devotion during the rescue operation. Thursday, April 26, 2012 http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-105035-Nadra-offers-AFIS-help-to-identify-disaster-victims