The federal government has issued a new SOP for the Digital Proof of Life for pensioners.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the role of commercial banks in the biometric verification of pensioners has ended. Now, the life verification of pensioners will be carried out through NADRA and the offices of the Accountant General.
Pensioners will be able to undergo verification through the NADRA Pak ID app every 180 days. The mandatory requirement to submit a life certificate in March and September has been abolished.
The Ministry of Finance further stated that NADRA’s digital life signal will be received directly by the CGA and MAG. In the future, pension accounts will not be declared inactive or dormant.
In case of failure to submit proof of life, banks will not be able to impose a debit restriction on pension accounts. If no digital life signal is received for six months, the pension will move to suspended status. As soon as the life signal is received, the pension will automatically be restored and the money will be released.
According to the Ministry of Finance, commercial banks will only operate as institutions for the payment of pensions. Banks will not be able to collect life certificates or biometric data under normal circumstances.
Under the new SOP, pension payments will continue to be made directly into bank accounts. The system of physical disbursal HAF for pensioners has been permanently abolished. In case verification is not possible, the facility of manual verification will be available through District Accounts Offices.
Extremely elderly pensioners will be able to submit a life certificate through Form 10. Family pensioners will have to submit Form 12 regarding their marital status.
Pension accounts that were made dormant before August 22, 2026, will be reactivated. From September 2026, old dormant accounts will also be activated upon receipt of the pension amount.
According to the Ministry of Finance, there will be no service charges for opening and maintaining accounts for pension payments.
What is Digital Proof of Life?
Digital Proof of Life, or life verification, is a modern technology-based procedure through which pensioners can digitally verify their life from home so that their pension continues without any interruption.
The Government of Pakistan and NADRA have introduced this system for the convenience of senior citizens, after which pensioners no longer need to visit banks or government offices every six months.
Biometric and Facial Recognition: Pensioners complete the fingerprint and facial recognition process through their smartphones.
Pak ID Mobile App: Through NADRA’s Pak ID app, pensioners or their family members can obtain this certificate free of charge from home.
Free Facilitation Centres: Pensioners who do not know how to use the mobile app can also get this verification done free of charge by visiting NADRA centres, e-Sahulat franchises, or designated Union Councils.