A growing number of citizens in Pakistan are facing a shocking issue after being mistakenly declared deceased in the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) records despite being alive. The problem has triggered serious public concern, especially among people relying on official identity records for banking, travel, employment, and government services.
The issue came into focus after a resident of Hyderabad discovered that NADRA’s database listed him as dead. The mistake created confusion and raised questions about how such errors occur in the country’s central identity system.
NADRA officials have now acknowledged that several citizens are currently facing similar problems. According to the authority, these cases are usually linked to errors involving death certificate registration at the Union Council level.
How Citizens Are Incorrectly Marked as Deceased
NADRA officials clarified that the authority does not independently declare any person deceased. The system only updates a citizen’s status after receiving official death registration records from the relevant Union Council.
According to officials, there are two major reasons behind these mistakes. The first involves family members or relatives applying for a death certificate through the Union Council. Once the certificate is issued, NADRA’s database automatically changes the individual’s status to deceased.
The second reason involves clerical mistakes during the registration process. Errors in identity card numbers, names, or personal information can result in another living citizen being incorrectly linked to a death certificate.
Officials say these mistakes can create serious difficulties for affected individuals. A person declared deceased in official records may face blocked bank accounts, suspended government services, passport complications, and difficulties in property or legal matters.
Experts believe such database errors highlight the need for stronger verification systems and improved administrative checks during death registrations.
Steps Required to Correct NADRA Death Record Errors
NADRA representatives explained that correcting the issue requires action at both the Union Council and NADRA levels. The affected citizen cannot directly request status restoration through NADRA unless the death certificate is first cancelled officially.
The first step requires the individual to visit the relevant Union Council office where the death certificate was issued. The citizen must request formal cancellation of the certificate after providing proof of identity and supporting documents.
Officials stated that NADRA cannot update the record unless the Union Council removes the death registration from its system. Once the cancellation process is completed, the corrected information is forwarded to NADRA.
After the death certificate is revoked, the affected person must visit any NADRA office in the country. The individual will then complete biometric verification to confirm identity and reactivate their status as living in the national database.
Authorities say biometric verification is necessary to prevent fraud and ensure database accuracy. The process also helps protect the integrity of Pakistan’s identity management system.
Public Concern Grows Over Database Accuracy
The issue has sparked concern among citizens regarding the reliability of official records and digital identity systems. Many people fear that similar clerical mistakes could affect access to essential services and legal rights.
NADRA remains Pakistan’s primary authority responsible for issuing identity documents to citizens inside the country and abroad. Millions of Pakistanis depend on NADRA records for national identity cards, passports, family registrations, and government verification processes.
Experts believe stronger coordination between Union Councils and NADRA could help reduce such incidents in the future. Improved digital checks, verification procedures, and staff training may also prevent incorrect death registrations.
Citizens are also being advised to regularly review their official records and immediately report any discrepancies to the relevant authorities before complications increase.
