A strange and unusual case has emerged in Karachi where a woman who was officially declared dead in government records appeared alive before the Sindh High Court, raising serious questions over record verification systems.
According to reports, the woman, identified as Safia Begum, approached the court after discovering that her name had been marked as deceased in records maintained by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the relevant Union Council.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Safia told the court that despite being alive, official documents showed her as dead. She alleged that the incorrect death entry was being used to obtain financial benefits, including her late husband’s pension.
Safia’s lawyer informed the court that her husband had passed away and had three wives. According to the lawyer, after Safia was wrongly declared dead in NADRA and Union Council records, the pension payments were allegedly redirected to the first wife.
The lawyer argued that the false death registration had created serious legal and financial complications for Safia, as her identity and rights were affected by an incorrect government record.
NADRA Defends Record Verification Process
During the proceedings, the NADRA representative informed the Sindh High Court that the authority verifies information through its online system.
The NADRA lawyer stated that according to the records received from the Union Council, Safia Begum was shown as deceased.
However, the court expressed concern over how a living person could be declared dead in official documents without proper verification.
The judges questioned the process through which such an error occurred and sought clarification from the concerned local government authorities.
Union Council Chairman Fails to Appear Before Court
The Sindh High Court summoned Union Council Chairman Saleh Muhammad to explain the circumstances behind the incorrect death entry.
However, despite court directions, the chairman neither appeared before the court nor submitted a written explanation regarding the matter.
Taking notice of his absence, the court issued bailable arrest warrants worth Rs50,000 against the Union Council chairman.
The court directed police authorities to ensure his appearance at the next hearing so that the reasons behind the disputed death record could be examined.
Court Sets Next Hearing Date
The Sindh High Court adjourned further proceedings and ordered that the matter would be taken up again on September 9.
The case has highlighted concerns regarding errors in official databases and the consequences such mistakes can have on citizens’ legal status, identity documents and financial rights.
Authorities are now expected to explain how Safia Begum was declared dead in official records despite being alive and appearing before the court herself.
