The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced the Proof of Life Certificate (PoLC) as a completely free service for pensioners and brought the service to Pakistan’s doorsteps in digital, physical and mobile channels.
In accordance with the special instructions of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and after coordinating with the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, Ministry of Defence, Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Military Accountant General (MAG), the initiative has been launched.
The measure is specifically targeting pensioners, who are elderly, bedridden or differently-abled and have difficulties visiting banks or pension office to provide proof-of-life every so often.
Pensioners Can Get Proof of Life Through PakID
Eligible pensioners can get the certificate easily via PakID mobile app, which enables the process to be finished digitally from home.
A pensioner who is not able to use the application can make a request to another member of their immediate family to obtain the certificate on their behalf, in accordance with the prescribed identity verification requirements, using the family member’s PakID account.
Free Service Available at Thousands of e-Sahulat Franchises
Those pensioners who need assisted services can get the PoLC, for free, at over 5,000 e-Sahulat franchises throughout the country.
The additional network is designed to ensure that the service will be available to pensioners who may not be confident in using digital applications or those who need help using them.
NADRA Registration Centers and Union Councils
The Proof of Life Certificate can also be obtained from over 988 NADRA Registration Centers and 500 Union Councils.
The initiative will also grant pensioners special treatment at these centers, so that they are not required to join the queue for treatment.
That is being done to make it easier for the elderly.
Mobile Services for Pensioners With Limited Mobility
Pensioners who cannot conveniently travel to a service point can also use NADRA’s mobile service channels.
These include:
- NADRA Mobile Registration Vans
- Biker services
- Man-pack registration services
The facilities extend access to PoLC for pensioners with limited mobility or those living in areas where visiting a registration center is difficult.
National Pensioners Register Established
The PoLC facility is one of a series of reform whereby NADRA has created the National Pensioners Register.
In Phase-I, pensioners under the administration of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Military Accountant General (MAG) have been added to the register.
The register is a trusted digital source for the verification of pensioners’ identity and living status.
Daily Updates to Pension Authorities
The National Pensioners Register also aims to notify the relevant pension authorities of the majority of significant changes in the pensioners’ circumstances without the pensioner or their family having to send the same information to various pension authorities again and again.
Following the rollout of the Death Notification Tool by health facilities, and registration of dead cases in the Civil Registration Management System (CRMS), the new system by NADRA now sends daily digital notifications to relevant pension controllers in the event of the death of a primary or secondary pensioner.
Likewise, any pension entitlement changes are shared with the pension controllers to which they are registered with NADRA, where they occur.
These changes may include conditions of age and marriage that may have an impact on pension rights.
Pension Authorities Will Make Final Decisions
Nadra will not be responsible for the continued, changed or terminated pension payments, as this will be done according to the rules for the pension authority responsible for the payment.
The technology system is thus designed to enhance information exchange and verification, not to replace the people whose job is to make pension decisions.
Easier Proof-of-Life Process for Pensioners
The roll-out of free PoLC services should make it easier for pensioners, especially older and more vulnerable people, to manage their pension payments.
Pensioners can now undertake a variety of services to verify their proof of life without having to pay a service fee, with digital verification made possible by PakID, assisted verification at thousands of locations and mobile registration services.
