A new biometric verification system has been implemented for federal pensioners on Monday. However, pension payments will continue to be made directly into bank accounts.
According to the notification, the role of commercial banks in the biometric verification of pensioners has ended.
What are the SOPs for digital verification and payment of pensions?
The Ministry of Finance has issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the digital verification and payment of pensions. Pensioners’ “proof of life” will now be verified digitally through NADRA.
The Ministry of Finance stated that NADRA will transmit the pensioners’ digital “life signal” directly to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and the Military Accountant General (MAG).
Reliance on banks for pensioner verification has been removed. Additionally, commercial banks will now act solely as agents for pension disbursement.
Under normal circumstances, banks will not be permitted to collect or store pensioners’ biometric data.
Can you verify your status with NADRA’s “Pak Identity” app?
The old paper-based pension processing system has been abolished, and pensioners will now complete their proof of life digitally. Pensioners can verify their status using NADRA’s “Pak Identity” app.
The notification states that pension verification will also be possible at NADRA registration centres and mobile units.
Bank branches and mobile apps may also facilitate verification as authorised NADRA centres.
According to the Ministry of Finance, pension payments will be temporarily suspended if a digital life signal is not received for six consecutive months.
However, the account will not be declared inactive simply due to a lack of verification during this period.
Pension accounts cannot be rendered dormant solely on the grounds of missing biometric verification.
What are other alternative methods?
An alternative method will be available if digital verification is not possible. In such cases, pensioners may approach District Accounts Offices and Pension Facilitation Centres.
An alternative verification method has also been introduced for pensioners residing abroad.
The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) mandate making the pension verification process simpler and more digital.
The new SOPs will apply to retired federal government employees and eligible family pensioners.
