ISLAMABAD: The federal government has introduced a new biometric verification system for pensioners. The revised process will use digital verification through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
Under the new procedures, pension payments will continue to reach beneficiaries through their bank accounts. However, commercial banks will no longer manage the primary biometric verification process.
The Ministry of Finance issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pension verification. The changes aim to modernise the existing system and improve the verification process.
NADRA to Manage Digital Pension Verification
Under the revised system, NADRA will digitally verify pensioners’ proof of life. The authority will send digital life signals to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).
The Military Accountant General will also receive these verification signals. This arrangement will reduce the role of commercial banks in pension verification.
Banks will now mainly act as payment agents for pension beneficiaries. They will generally not be permitted to collect or store pensioners’ biometric information.
The government has also ended the previous paper-based verification process. Pensioners will now need to complete their proof of life through digital channels.
Verification Available Through Pak ID App
Pensioners will have several options to complete their biometric verification. NADRA’s Pak ID mobile application will provide one method for completing the process.
Beneficiaries can also visit NADRA registration centres for verification. The authority’s mobile registration units will provide another option.
Selected bank branches and mobile applications may also support the process. These facilities must operate as authorised NADRA centres.
The new system is intended to make verification more accessible. It may also reduce paperwork and improve the accuracy of pension records.
Pension Payments Could Face Temporary Suspension
The Ministry of Finance has outlined consequences for missing verification signals. Pension payments may be temporarily suspended if no digital life signal is received.
The suspension would apply after six consecutive months without a recorded signal. However, the pension account would not automatically become dormant.
The ministry clarified that incomplete biometric verification alone would not make an account dormant. This distinction separates pension payment suspension from the status of a bank account.
Alternative Options for Pensioners
The government has also included alternative arrangements for pensioners facing difficulties. Beneficiaries unable to complete digital verification may seek assistance.
They can approach district accounts offices or pension facilitation centres. These offices will provide support through an alternative verification process.
Overseas pensioners will also have access to an alternative verification mechanism. This provision aims to address challenges faced by beneficiaries living outside Pakistan.
The revised SOPs apply to retired federal government employees and eligible family pensioners. The changes are intended to improve transparency and digital access.
The new procedures will also clarify responsibilities among NADRA, government accounting offices and banks. Pensioners are expected to follow the updated verification requirements to maintain uninterrupted payments.
The government’s decision marks a shift towards digital pension administration. It places NADRA at the centre of the proof-of-life verification process.
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Authorities have presented the revised system as a way to improve convenience and efficiency. The success of the system will depend on access to verification services and support for beneficiaries facing difficulties.
