Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has come under public scrutiny after its mobile application presented citizens with an oddly worded feature that appears to allow the deceased to cancel their own identity cards.
The app’s “Cancel Identity Due to Death” service includes two options: one for relatives of a deceased individual and another labeled “Myself.” While the first option is logical, the second has left many users baffled. If selected, the “Myself” option initiates a facial recognition liveness check, requiring the applicant to prove they are alive and match NADRA’s biometric records.
The contradiction has sparked widespread amusement and criticism. Users questioned how a deceased individual could possibly log in, initiate the process, and pass a live facial scan. “It doesn’t make sense—why would someone who is supposedly dead have to prove they are alive to cancel their ID?” one social media user commented.
When approached for clarification, a NADRA spokesperson stated that the cancellation service was intended solely for relatives of the deceased. However, the spokesperson did not elaborate on why the “Myself” option was included in the app or why it requires proof of life for someone supposedly applying posthumously.
The confusion has reignited debate over design flaws and oversight in official government mobile applications. Critics argue that such oversights not only frustrate users but also undermine trust in digital governance initiatives. Pakistan’s government has invested heavily in digitization efforts, but user experience issues continue to plague many apps and services.
For now, NADRA has yet to provide a clear explanation, leaving the “Myself” option shrouded in mystery. Whether the feature is a technical glitch, a case of poor labeling, or simply another example of careless app design remains unanswered.
