The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has quietly addressed a controversy surrounding its PakID mobile app by removing the “self-report death” option, which had sparked confusion and widespread criticism online. Earlier this month, ProPakistani highlighted that the app’s “Cancel Identity Due to Death” service offered two selections: one intended for relatives of a deceased person, and another curiously labeled “Myself.” The presence of this option led to questions about how a deceased individual could possibly complete the liveness check required by the system.
The situation gained rapid traction on social media after screenshots of the feature went viral. Users mocked the design flaw and raised concerns over how such an option could have been overlooked in the app’s development. Critics argued that allowing a “myself” choice in a process designed for death reporting reflected poor testing and quality control in a platform that manages critical identity services. Media outlets soon picked up the story, further amplifying public debate and putting pressure on NADRA to respond.
Following the backlash, NADRA confirmed that the “self-report” functionality was not intentional. Officials explained that the feature was introduced due to confusion in the interface design rather than being a deliberate service. In a swift move to restore trust, NADRA updated the PakID app, removing the “myself” option and replacing it with a more structured process. Now, relatives must confirm their relationship to the deceased before proceeding with cancellation of a family member’s ID card. This update ensures that the service aligns with its original intent, limiting usage strictly to relatives of the deceased.
Alongside this correction, NADRA has introduced a new family tree integration within the app to strengthen verification and streamline workflows. This additional layer is designed to reduce misinterpretations while offering a clearer path for users handling sensitive procedures. A NADRA spokesperson reiterated that the self-report option had always been an error, never intended for actual use by individuals, and emphasized the authority’s commitment to improving the reliability of digital services. By incorporating family tree authentication, NADRA aims to make the app more user-friendly, minimize potential misuse, and restore confidence among citizens relying on digital identity systems.
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