ISLAMABAD:
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has quietly removed the controversial ‘self-report death’ feature from its PakID mobile application following widespread criticism on social media.
The feature, which allowed users to cancel their identity cards due to death, had an option for individuals to report their own death. The process required the user to undergo a facial recognition liveness check, which sparked ridicule online and raised the question: how could a deceased person verify their own death?
The feature quickly went viral, drawing heavy criticism and mocking from the public. Following the backlash and media reports, NADRA acted swiftly to remove the option and update the app’s functionality. Now, only relatives of the deceased are allowed to cancel the identity card, and a relationship verification feature, along with a family tree function, has been introduced to prevent confusion.
A spokesperson for NADRA clarified that the “Myself” option was added due to initial confusion, but it had always been intended for use by relatives of the deceased. The organization emphasized that this feature was not meant to be used by individuals themselves.
In addition to this change, NADRA has introduced an updated version of the PakID app, offering new features and improved accessibility. Among the new facilities, parents can now upload photos from their mobile galleries to create a B-form or identity card for children under three years old. The app also enables users to print their photos on identity documents and update the records of surviving family members. Furthermore, a new option has been added to apply for identity services without needing fingerprint or facial verification, along with the ability to provide information in Urdu for better clarity.
NADRA’s prompt action to remove the controversial feature has calmed public concern, and the updated app is expected to offer a more user-friendly and efficient experience for Pakistani citizens.
