The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has eliminated costs for pensioners for obtaining the Proof of Life Certificate and increased the service availability by adopting several digital and physical channels in Pakistan.
This certificate is now available with Pak ID mobile app, NADRA Registration Centers, Union Councils, e-Sahulat franchises, Mobile Registration Vans and other mobile services of NADRA to pensioners.
The project will target especially pensioners who have trouble making their way to banks or pension offices to provide periodic proof of life, such as the elderly, differently abled and bedridden.
Initiative Launched Under Prime Minister’s Directions
It has been introduced under special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and coordination of various government institutions.
These include:
- Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control
- Ministry of Defence
- Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
- Military Accountant General (MAG)
The project aims to make the verification process easier and avoid pensioners from making repeated visits to offices and banks.
Get Proof of Life Certificate Through PakID From Home
Mobile application PakID is the easiest solution for eligible pensioners.
Pensioners can utilize the platform to finish the needed method and get their Proof of Life Certificate at home without the need to go to a NADRA office.
In cases where a pensioner cannot use the PakID application independently, an immediate family member can also use the PakID application, but in that case, they need to register their own PakID account with the required identity verification process.
Free Service Available at More Than 5,000 e-Sahulat Franchises
For those pensioners who like getting their Pensioners Certificate with their own hands, the Proof of Life Certificate can be obtained for free in over 5000 e-Sahulat franchising network in Pakistan.
The additional network is to ensure improved accessibility, especially in the areas where pensioners do not have easy access to NADRA Registration Centers.
Service Also Available at NADRA Centers and Union Councils
The free PoLC facility is also available at more than:
- 988 NADRA Registration Centers
- 500 Union Councils
These facilities will ensure better service to pensioners, so they do not have to wait in a queue, thus making it easier for senior citizens to use these facilities.
Mobile Services for Pensioners With Limited Mobility
NADRA have also extended the Proof of Life Certificate service through their mobile registration facilities.
Pensioners who are unable to easily travel to a service point may be able to get access to the facility via:
- NADRA Mobile Registration Vans
- Biker services
- Man-pack registration services
These options are especially relevant for those elderly, bedridden and differently-abled pensioners who have mobility or accessibility issues.
Banks Can Verify Pensioners Digitally
An independent digital verification service for banks has also been launched.
This system allows banks to check pensioners’ proof-of-life status directly from the National Pensioners Register.
It is hoped that the digital verification process will minimize the need for multiple physical visits and paper records, and provide pension controllers and banks with more up-to-date data.
National Pensioners Register to Expand Further
NADRA plans to expand the National Pensioners Register in the next phase.
The system is expected to eventually cover pensioners from:
- Other federal government organizations
- Provincial government departments
- Public-sector institutions
- Private organizations
The expansion will be contingent on certain agreements and institutionalization with the relevant organizations.
A Major Relief for Pensioners
The new system will be more convenient to prove the proof-of-life, as well as digital and assisted modes.
Eligible pensioners can now apply by any of the most convenient methods, such as by PakID on their home; or by visiting e-Sahulat franchise, NADRA center or Union Council, instead of solely visiting banks or pension offices.
NADRA’s initiative of introducing Proof of Life Certificate for free and accessible to a larger public is a positive move towards enhancing pensioner’s services in Pakistan.
Accessed via the PakID app, the 5,000 e-Sahulat franchises, more than 988 NADRA Registration Centers, 500 Union Councils and mobile registration services aim to ease the hassle for pensioners who are old or have limited mobility, while modernising the process of verifying pensioners through the National Pensioners Register.
