Govt rolls out new digital verification system for pensioners

At a glance

Govt introduces a fully digital 'proof of life' system for pensioners.
Verification is required every 6 months via NADRA's app or centres.
Banks' role is reduced to payment disbursement only; no in-person verification.

Story so far

The government has replaced the paper-based pension system with a fully digital framework. Pensioners must now complete a 'proof of life' verification every six months using NADRA's digital tools. Payments are made directly to bank accounts, which will no longer be declared dormant. Failure to verify for six months results in a temporary suspension of payments, which are restored upon completion of the process.

Latest development

New SOPs clarify that banks no longer handle verification, which is now done via NADRA every 180 days. Specific forms for elderly and family pensioners have been introduced, and accounts made dormant before Aug 22, 2026, will be reactivated.

Latest updates

2 days ago

The Ministry of Finance has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) further clarifying the digital verification process. Under the new rules, the role of commercial banks in biometric verification has been eliminated. Instead, pensioners will complete their 'proof of life' verification every 180 days through the NADRA Pak ID app or at NADRA centres, with the digital signal sent directly to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Military Accountant General (MAG).

The previous requirement to submit life certificates in March and September has been abolished. Banks will now act solely as payment disbursement agencies and are barred from placing debit restrictions on accounts for non-submission of life proof. If a digital signal is not received for six months, the pension will enter a 'suspense status' and will be automatically restored with arrears once verification is complete.

The SOP also includes provisions for specific cases. Manual verification will be available at District Accounts Offices for those unable to use the digital system. Very elderly pensioners can submit a life certificate using 'Form 10', while family pensioners must submit 'Form 12' to declare their marital status. The ministry also stated that pension accounts made dormant before August 22, 2026, will be reactivated, and no service charges will be applied for opening or maintaining these accounts.