The Ministry of Finance has issued revised procedures for federal pension payments, replacing the previous March and September verification schedule with a flexible six-month requirement. Pensioners can complete proof-of-life verification through the NADRA PakID app or authorised NADRA channels.

The changes are aimed at making pension payments easier while reducing unnecessary visits to banks. The revised system also strengthens digital monitoring of pension records and payments.

NADRA digital verification for pensioners

Under the new system, pensioners must provide a valid verification signal at least once every 180 days. NADRA has made its Proof of Life Certificate available through the PakID app, registration centres and other authorised channels.

The government has also moved away from requiring banks to handle routine biometric verification or physical life certificates. Banks will instead operate mainly as payment channels rather than verification points.

Pension accounts will not become dormant

A major change is that banks will no longer mark pension accounts dormant simply because proof-of-life verification has not been submitted to the bank. If no valid digital verification is received for six months, however, pension payments may be placed on hold.

Once verification is completed, the system can restore payment and release eligible outstanding pension amounts. The reforms are expected to benefit elderly pensioners by reducing paperwork and repeated bank visits.