An overseas Pakistani, who was allegedly declared dead in the records of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) by his own family, has approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) seeking justice.
Imran Malik informed the court that his family had used a fraudulent death certificate to officially declare him dead, purportedly in an effort to claim his property.
The certificate stated that Malik had been declared dead in April 2024.
Justice Abdul Mobeen Lakho, who heard the petition, inquired how the petitioner managed to return to Pakistan if the official documents indicated he was deceased.
Malik’s lawyer explained to the court that his passport had not been canceled, which permitted him to travel back. However, he is currently unable to exit the country.
The lawyer noted that Malik, who had been living overseas, came back to Pakistan in October after being away for four years.
When he tried to open a bank account, he discovered that his CNIC was blocked. Upon contacting NADRA, he learned that he had died in April 2024.
The court was informed that a criminal FIR had been filed against the members of his family who were involved in the fraud.
Malik’s lawyer said his siblings pressured their mother and sought to deprive him of his share of inheritance.
The petitioner asked the court to instruct NADRA to restore his CNIC.
Justice Yusuf Ali Saeed remarked that the court would scrutinize the issue carefully within the parameters of NADRA’s jurisdiction.
The SHC issued notices to NADRA and other relevant respondents, requesting their replies within four weeks.