ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described the launch of Pakistan’s digital Proof of Life Certificate system for pensioners as a major step toward making pension services easier and more accessible for millions of citizens.
The new system is designed to particularly benefit elderly pensioners, women, persons with disabilities and physically challenged citizens by allowing them to complete their mandatory verification without repeatedly visiting banks.
Digital Proof of Life Certificate Makes Pension Verification Easier
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the digital Proof of Life Certificate would benefit both civilian and military pensioners across the country.
He said the initiative would help simplify an important administrative requirement and reduce the difficulties faced by senior citizens and people with limited mobility.
Under the new system, pensioners can complete their Proof of Life verification from home using facial recognition technology and a digital application. The initiative is expected to eliminate the need for pensioners to make repeated visits to banks for verification.
Previously, many pensioners were required to visit banks every six months to prove that they were still alive and eligible to receive their pensions. The requirement was particularly difficult for elderly, frail and disabled individuals.
NADRA Offers Digital Service Free of Charge
The prime minister appreciated the role of NADRA, federal ministries and other institutions involved in developing the digital system.
Shehbaz Sharif specifically acknowledged Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, PM’s Adviser Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah and NADRA’s chairman for their contributions to the initiative.
He also welcomed NADRA’s decision to provide the digital Proof of Life Certificate service free of charge to pensioners.
The prime minister said using modern technology to facilitate vulnerable citizens was more than an administrative improvement and described it as an important service to humanity.
He expressed hope that the initiative would make life easier for millions of pensioners and reduce the physical and financial burden associated with traditional verification procedures.
The launch of the digital Proof of Life Certificate system represents another step toward expanding digital public services in Pakistan and improving access to government facilities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
