A NADRA-linked mobile verification system for pensioners is being prepared to be launched by the federal government of Pakistan.
The officials are describing this as a major step to be launched by the federal government of Pakistan.
Under the proposed system National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will disburse the pension through biometric and facial recognition checks conducted by NADRA.
It was revealed by the officials familiar with the plan that around 1.7 million pensioners could eventually become part of the digital verification framework.
How does the new system work?
Pensioners under the new mechanism would confirm their proof of life status by using the Pak ID mobile application which is operated by NADRA.
After this through NADRA-integrated systems commercial banks will then authenticate pension eligibility before monthly pensions are released.
Sources also revealed that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will be directing all commercial banks to integrate their infrastructure with NADRA’s verification platforms. This will enable automated pension validation nationwide.
It is expected that the system will be relying on NADRA’s Proof of Life Certificate (POLC) and Family Registration Certificate (FRC) databases. These databases will confirm both identity and pension eligibility.
Banks across Pakistan will also be required to integrate with NADRA’s Nishan Pakistan API system and the e-Sahulat platform to allow real-time verification before the disbursement of pensions.
According to the officials some elements of this policy have already been implemented. The technical integration between banks and NADRA systems is still under way.
This move according to the officials will streamline pension administration as it will reduce manual paperwork, improve transparency. This will ensure payments are made only to eligible beneficiaries.
According to the officials the approval has been sought from the Finance Division for a revised financial model under which NADRA may waive or reduce certain charges related to the Proof of Life system through optimised integration of POLC and FRC services.
Also read: NADRA confirms Sindhi language to be included in mobile app ‘Pak ID’
