ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to introduce a digital life certificate system to facilitate 1.7 million pensioners across Pakistan.
The Ministry of Finance states that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has developed a new system that will use biometric authentication and facial recognition technology for pensioner verification of living status.
The State Bank of Pakistan has issued instructions to all banks that they must establish connections with NADRA’s system to accomplish this task.
The system will use fingerprints and facial recognition to verify pensioners, while an app-based “proof of life” facility is currently under development.
The development of a mobile application system for pensioners to digitally complete their verification process is currently ongoing.
For greater transparency, pension verification will also be possible through NADRA’s e-Sahulat app.
The State Bank has ordered commercial banks to establish links with NADRA systems because pension eligibility will be verified through NADRA data before any payments are made. Banks will continue pension disbursements, while only the verification mechanism will become digital.
The new digital system for pensioners has been developed on the instructions of the Prime Minister’s Office.
