PACI refutes allegations of transforming Kuwait into a police state

KUWAIT CITY, May 5: The issuance of smart ID cards is not aimed at transforming Kuwait into a police state rather it aimed to ease procedures for the holders and improving public services as it contains vital information connected to all government departments, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) General Manager Mesaed Al-Asousi.

Al-Asousi made the statement at a seminar organized by Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Prize Monday at Salwa Hall in Salmiya under the slogan "Smart Card Project: Challenges, Achievements and Future". Sheikha Ayeda Salem Al-Ali, members of the Prize, information technology experts and PACI staff attended the seminar.

Refuting allegations that the cards are connected to satellites, Al-Asousi clarified the cards contain demographic information, not those related to security. He pointed out the project faced a strong opposition at the start of its implementation in Europe but the people later realized its value, so they fully supported it. Affirming the authority has so far distributed 200,000 smart cards, Al-Asousi stated the PACI branches in Citizen Service Centers throughout the country have been processing the new cards from morning to evening.

"We are currently coordinating with the ministries of health and education for the opening of files for patients and students through the smart cards. These cards are very useful, particularly in obtaining a driving license. This project has also been implemented in some GCC countries," Al-Asousi added. Al-Asousi explained the schools will be able to open files of students and record their examination results through the smart cards. He said the authority is ready to cooperate with any government department to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

 He also hopes the private sector will use the electronic or automated facilities installed by the authority, indicating the smart card project is part of the authority's commitment to improve services offered to the public.

© Arab Times 2010