Pakistan Launches Digital Proof of Life for Pensioners

Quick Answer

Pakistan has launched a digital Proof of Life Certificate system that allows civilian and military pensioners to complete their verification from home. The free service uses facial recognition through NADRA’s PakID app, removing the need for pensioners to visit banks every six months.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the new facility in Islamabad on August 20, 2026. The system is expected to make pension verification easier for senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities and pensioners who find it difficult to travel.

What Is a Proof of Life Certificate?

A Proof of Life Certificate confirms that a pensioner is alive and remains eligible to receive pension payments.

Under the previous process, pensioners were generally required to visit their bank for biometric verification every six months. This was often difficult for elderly people, patients and those with limited mobility.

The new system moves the verification process online. It does not change a person’s pension amount or eligibility. It only provides a digital method for completing the required life verification.

How the Digital Verification System Works

Pensioners can use NADRA’s PakID mobile application to complete their Proof of Life verification from home.

The system uses facial recognition to match the pensioner’s identity with NADRA’s records. Once the verification is successful, the updated status becomes available through the connected system for further processing.

Banks will continue to handle pension payments, but pensioners will no longer need to visit a branch repeatedly just to prove that they are alive.

Detailed instructions may differ depending on the pension department or bank. Pensioners should follow the directions available in the official PakID app or contact their pension-disbursing bank for help.

Who Can Use the New Facility?

The government has said the digital facility will cover both civilian and military pensioners.

It is expected to provide particular relief to:

• Senior citizens

• Women receiving pensions

• Persons with disabilities

• Pensioners with health or mobility problems

• People living far from bank branches

• Pensioners who face difficulty with regular physical verification

The official launch statement did not confirm whether private-sector pensioners are covered. People receiving a private pension should check with their employer or pension provider before using the service.

Is the Digital Proof of Life Service Free?

NADRA is providing the Proof of Life verification service to pensioners without charging a fee.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated NADRA for making the facility free and said it would benefit a large number of pensioners across Pakistan.

Pensioners should use only the official NADRA application. They should not pay agents or individuals claiming that payment is required to complete the digital verification.

Why Pakistan Needed a Digital Verification System

The previous system placed a physical burden on pensioners, many of whom are elderly or unwell. Visiting a bank, waiting in line and completing biometric verification could be difficult, particularly for people who needed assistance to travel.

Age-related changes in fingerprints could also make biometric matching difficult for some pensioners. When verification failed, they could face additional paperwork or repeated visits.

Home-based facial recognition is intended to reduce these problems. It can save travel time, lower the burden on families and help prevent delays caused by manual processing.

The system may also benefit pensioners living in areas where bank branches or government offices are not easily accessible.

Institutions Behind the New System

The Proof of Life facility was developed through coordination among several government bodies.

These include the Finance Division, Ministry of Interior, Controller General of Accounts and NADRA. Pension-disbursing banks are also part of the process because they continue to manage pension payments.

During the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah and the NADRA chairman for their work on the project.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government’s digital reforms were aimed at improving public services and bringing greater transparency to the system.

Benefits for Pensioners

The main purpose of the system is to make life verification less difficult.

Pensioners may benefit through:

• Verification from home

• Fewer visits to bank branches

• No verification fee

• Reduced paperwork

• Less waiting and travelling

• Easier access for people with disabilities

• Faster sharing of verification records

Family members and caregivers may also benefit because they will not need to arrange transport for every verification visit.

How the System Can Improve Pension Administration

Digital verification can allow NADRA, pension departments and banks to share verified information more efficiently.

It may help authorities maintain accurate pension records and reduce the risk of payments being sent against invalid or duplicate records. Faster updates could also lower the chances of a valid pension being delayed because of incomplete manual paperwork.

However, these results will depend on reliable system integration, clear guidance and timely assistance for pensioners who face technical problems.

What Pensioners Should Check Before Using PakID

Pensioners should download the official NADRA PakID application from a trusted app store. They should avoid applications or links shared by unknown individuals.

Before beginning verification, they may need:

• A valid CNIC

• Their pension details

• A smartphone with a working camera

• A stable internet connection

• Information that matches their official records

The government’s launch announcement did not provide a complete public list of all required information. Users should follow the instructions shown inside the official application.

Pensioners must never share their banking PIN, password or one-time verification code with another person. NADRA or a bank official should not ask for a banking PIN to issue a Proof of Life Certificate.

What If Facial Recognition Does Not Work?

Facial recognition may not work immediately because of poor lighting, an unclear camera image or differences between a person’s current appearance and NADRA’s record.

A pensioner can try again in a well-lit place, keep the camera steady and make sure the face is clearly visible. If verification continues to fail, the person should contact NADRA, the relevant pension office or their pension-disbursing bank through an official channel.

The launch statement did not provide complete information about an alternative process for pensioners who:

• Do not own a smartphone

• Cannot use the application independently

• Have no reliable internet access

• Fail facial recognition repeatedly

• Live outside Pakistan

Official instructions are still needed on assisted verification, complaint handling and the process for overseas pensioners.

Will Bank Visits End Completely?

The government said pensioners would no longer need to visit banks every six months for routine Proof of Life verification if they successfully use the digital system.

However, a bank visit may still be necessary for account-related issues, incorrect records, failed verification or other pension matters. The launch announcement did not state that every form of in-person pension service had ended.

What the Launch Means for Pensioners

The digital Proof of Life Certificate system addresses a long-standing difficulty faced by retired government employees and their families.

Allowing pensioners to verify themselves from home can save time and reduce physical hardship. The free service is especially important for elderly and disabled citizens who previously depended on others to take them to banks.

Its success will depend on simple instructions, reliable technology and accessible support for pensioners who cannot use a smartphone. Clear guidance on failed verification and overseas cases will also be needed as the system is implemented across Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Proof of Life Certificate?

It confirms that a pensioner is alive and remains eligible to receive pension payments.

How can pensioners complete digital verification?

Pensioners can use NADRA’s official PakID application and complete facial recognition from home.

Who can use the new Proof of Life system?

The facility is available to civilian and military pensioners, including senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities.

Is digital Proof of Life verification free?

Yes. NADRA is providing the service without charging pensioners a verification fee.

Will pensioners still need to visit banks every six months?

Pensioners who successfully complete digital verification will not need to make regular bank visits for Proof of Life verification.

What information may be required for verification?

Pensioners may need a valid CNIC, pension information, a smartphone with a working camera and an internet connection.

What should pensioners do if facial recognition fails?

They should try again in good lighting. If the problem continues, they should contact NADRA, their pension office or pension-disbursing bank.

Can pensioners without smartphones use another method?

The government has not yet provided complete public instructions for pensioners who cannot use a smartphone. They should contact their bank or pension office for assistance.