PM launches ‘Proof of Life’ certificate system

ZULFIQAR AHMAD

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday launched a modern digital “Proof of Life” certificate system for pensioners, allowing them to complete verification from home and sparing them the need to visit banks every six months.

Addressing the launch ceremony, the prime minister said the system would benefit both civilian and military pensioners, particularly elderly people, women and persons with disabilities.

The system uses biometric and facial verification to make the process more convenient and accessible.

The initiative, developed with the support of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), is expected to benefit millions of pensioners by providing a convenient alternative to traditional verification procedures.

The prime minister said the new mechanism would eliminate repeated trips to banks to fulfil proof-of-life requirements, particularly benefiting elderly and disabled pensioners for whom travelling can be difficult.

He said NADRA had provided the modern pension application and verification system free of charge, and congratulated Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, NADRA Chairman Muhammad Munir Afsar, a serving three-star military general, and Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal on the initiative.

“The new system is a great service for pensioners,” the prime minister said, stressing that biometric and facial verification represented an important step towards making public services more accessible through technology.

He added that millions of pensioners would benefit from the digital system and application, while reiterating that the government was working continuously for the country’s development and prosperity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Finance Minister Aurangzeb said the country’s journey towards a “Digital Pakistan” was continuing under the leadership of Prime Minister Sharif, with NADRA playing a key role in the process.

He said modern technology was being incorporated into the pension system to improve transparency and make the process more efficient.

Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal said the Raast payment system had already helped accelerate payments and improve transparency, while the introduction of facial verification addressed a long-standing demand of pensioners.

He said the verification facility would be provided free of charge.

The ceremony also featured a video providing guidance on the issuance of proof-of-life certificates and explaining the procedure for pensioners to use the new system.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and other senior officials also attended the ceremony.