Digital verification to replace bank checks

The revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Finance Division removes commercial banks from routine proof-of-life verification. NADRA will transmit digital life signals directly to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Military Accountant General (MAG) through a secure API.

The policy also removes the previous fixed March and September schedule, allowing verification at any time within each six-month period. Pensioners can use the Pak-ID app, NADRA centres, mobile units and authorised e-Sahulat franchises, while banks will continue to disburse pensions rather than validate life certificates.

NADRA to manage pension verification

The government has also introduced a suspense status for accounts without a valid life signal for six consecutive months. Pension payments may be temporarily held, but accounts will not be declared dormant, and valid verification will restore payments with arrears automatically.

For elderly pensioners and those without digital access, manual Life Certificates may be submitted at designated District Accounts Offices or Pension Facilitation Centres. Banks must keep pension accounts free of service charges and cannot compel pensioners to visit branches for routine biometric verification.