Pakistan’s NADRA fixes app after backlash over ‘deceased self-report’ feature

Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has removed a controversial option from its new mobile app after public criticism and confusion.

The agency had recently launched the “PakIdentity” mobile app, offering Pakistanis digital access to their identity cards and other documents. Among its features was the ability to report the death of a citizen and cancel their ID card.

The app originally gave users two choices: a relative could report the death of the deceased, or the deceased could “self-report” their death. The latter option drew widespread backlash, with many users mocking and questioning the feature.

NADRA spokesperson says the self-cancelation option had been a 'misunderstanding'.Screengrab

Following the criticism, and after Nukta contacted NADRA, the authority corrected the issue and removed the option.

Confirming the development, a NADRA spokesperson said the self-cancelation option had been a misunderstanding. “It was a confusion,” the spokesperson said, explaining that the option was always meant for relatives of the deceased, not the deceased themselves.

NADRA said it has now updated the app to avoid further confusion. The revised version includes a family tree feature and a cancellation button linked to the names of relatives. Before finalizing the cancellation of a deceased person’s ID, users will now be required to confirm their relationship.

Sources said the app is still a new feature for the public and that further improvements are expected as more people begin using it.

The “PakIdentity” app remains part of NADRA’s broader push toward digitization of government services, but the incident has highlighted challenges in rolling out new technologies.