A recent discovery in the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mobile app has sparked confusion and criticism due to a bizarre feature that seemingly allows deceased individuals to cancel their own identity cards.
Under the app’s “Cancel Identity Due to Death” section, users are given two options: one for relatives of the deceased, and the other labeled “Myself.” Selecting the “Myself” option initiates a facial recognition liveness check, a tool designed to confirm that the user is physically present and alive — which contradicts the purpose of the feature.
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The implication is that a deceased person would somehow log in, select “Myself,” and pass a liveness check to cancel their own ID — an obvious contradiction that has raised questions about the app’s design logic and oversight.
When contacted for clarification, a NADRA spokesperson clarified that the feature is meant only for relatives to report the death of a loved one. However, no explanation was provided for the existence of the “Myself” option or the requirement for a liveness check in that context.
This situation highlights ongoing issues in the design and usability of many government mobile apps in Pakistan, where mislabeling, poor UX design, and technical flaws continue to frustrate users. As of now, NADRA has not issued a fix or formal response to address the confusion caused by this feature.