PM launches digital system to spare pensioners from bank verification visits

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday launched a new digital “proof-of-life certificate” system for pensioners, featuring biometric and facial verification to make the process easier and eliminate the need for millions of elderly citizens to repeatedly visit banks.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said that the new system was a major service to humanity and would particularly benefit elderly and differently abled pensioners.

The system, developed with modern digital technology, will allow pensioners to complete the proof-of-life verification process through a dedicated application and biometric and facial recognition mechanisms, reducing the need for physical visits to banks.

“Millions of pensioners” would benefit from the new digital system and application, the prime minister said.

He said that the initiative would help elderly and disabled pensioners avoid the difficulties associated with visiting banks for verification.

The new biometric and facial verification system has been provided free of charge by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), he added.

The prime minister congratulated Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Nadra chairman and the finance secretary on the initiative, saying the government was working round the clock for the country’s development and prosperity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that the government’s journey towards a “Digital Pakistan” was continuing under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with Nadra playing a key role in the process.

He said that modern technology was being introduced into the pension system to improve transparency and efficiency.

Aurangzeb said the facial verification mechanism had been a longstanding demand of pensioners and would now be available free of charge.

He also highlighted improvements in payment mechanisms through the Raast system, saying digital payments had increased the speed and transparency of financial transactions.

The minister said the use of technology in pension-related services would make the system more convenient for beneficiaries while improving transparency in the overall process.

Guidance provided to pensioners

A video explaining the procedure for obtaining and using the proof-of-life certificate was also screened during the ceremony.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to digitise public services and reduce the need for citizens, particularly senior citizens, to physically visit government offices and banks to access essential services.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials also attended the ceremony.