The government, in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), has introduced a simplified process for elderly pensioners to obtain their mandatory “Proof of Life” certificates.
Previously, pensioners were required to visit their respective banks every six months to verify that they were still alive. Under the new system, the verification process has been made easier through NADRA, allowing pensioners to obtain their “Proof of Life” certificate without visiting a bank. A citizen raised a question about pensioners who do not own mobile phones, particularly widows, and asked how they could complete the biometric verification process and obtain a “Proof of Life” certificate.
In response, NADRA Public Information Officer Syed Shabahat Ali explained that pensioners without mobile phones can also obtain the certificate easily from a location close to their homes. He said such pensioners can visit their nearest NADRA office, where the “Proof of Life” certificate will be issued after biometric verification.
If a NADRA office is not nearby, pensioners can visit a local “Sahulat Franchise.” The number of these franchises has reportedly been increased from 5,000 to 12,000 to make the service more accessible. Syed Shabahat Ali further clarified that NADRA issues “Proof of Life” certificates free of charge. If anyone demands payment for the service, citizens are advised to report the matter to the NADRA helpline at 1777.
Banks have also been provided with a dedicated digital verification facility, enabling authorised institutions to confirm a pensioner’s proof-of-life status directly through the National Pensioners Register.
The new system is expected to streamline pension payments by reducing reliance on repeated physical visits and paper-based verification. It will allow banks to access updated pensioner records digitally while making the verification process more convenient.
In the next phase, the National Pensioners Register is expected to be extended to pensioners associated with other federal and provincial government departments, public-sector organisations and private institutions. The expansion will take place after the required agreements and administrative arrangements are finalised with the relevant organisations.
The integrated system aims to ease proof-of-life requirements for pensioners while providing pension authorities and banks with access to more up-to-date and verified information, helping make pension disbursement more efficient and convenient.