Pakistan has introduced a digital proof of life system to make pension verification easier for retired government employees. Under the revised procedure, eligible pensioners no longer need to visit their bank branches twice a year just to prove that they are alive.
The new system allows pensioners to complete their Proof of Life Certificate (PoLC) through NADRA’s PakID mobile app. They can also use NADRA Registration Centres and other authorised verification facilities if they cannot complete the process using a smartphone.
The updated procedure was issued by the Ministry of Finance on September 18, 2026. It connects NADRA directly with the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Military Accountant General (MAG), allowing pension verification information to reach the relevant pension authorities electronically.
Under the new rules, eligible pensioners must complete their proof of life verification every 180 days. The previous fixed March and September schedule has been replaced by a system based on the last successful verification.
This guide explains how to complete the process, who can use the PakID app, what happens if verification is delayed, and what elderly pensioners can do if they cannot use digital services.
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NADRA Proof of Life Certificate 2026: Important Details
Here are the main details pensioners should understand before starting the verification process.
| Information | Latest Details |
|---|---|
| Verification requirement | Every 180 days |
| Certificate name | Proof of Life Certificate (PoLC) |
| Main verification method | NADRA PakID mobile app |
| Verification cost | Free through NADRA’s announced facilities |
| Responsible authority | NADRA |
| Pension authorities | CGA and MAG, for covered pensioners |
| Bank’s main responsibility | Pension disbursement |
| Digital verification | Electronic transmission to the relevant authority |
| Missed verification | Pension may move into suspense status |
| Posted By | pak-all-job.com |
The revised SOP dated September 18, 2026, formally removes commercial banks from their ordinary administrative role in pensioners’ biometric and proof of life verification. Banks continue to handle pension payments but are no longer responsible for routine collection and validation of life certificates under the federal procedure.
How to Complete Pension Proof of Life Through the NADRA PakID App
Pensioners who have a smartphone and can complete biometric verification can use the PakID app without making a routine visit to a bank.
Follow these steps to apply for your certificate.
Step 1: Download the NADRA PakID App
Install the official PakID mobile application on your smartphone. Open the app and create an account or sign in if you already have one.
Make sure you use the official application and provide the correct identity information.
Step 2: Open the Proof of Life Option
After signing in, find the Proof of Life option in the biometric services section.
Select this option to begin the pension verification process.
Step 3: Select the Person Being Verified
The app provides options for completing verification for yourself or an eligible family member.
Choose the appropriate option:
- Myself: Select this if you are completing your own pension verification.
- My Blood Relatives: Select this if you are helping an eligible blood relative.
If you are applying on behalf of an elderly family member, make sure the pensioner is available for the required verification.
Step 4: Check the Pensioner’s Information
Carefully review the personal information displayed in the application.
Make sure the details match the pensioner’s identity record. If you notice incorrect information, resolve the identity record issue through NADRA before proceeding.
Step 5: Complete Face Verification
Follow the instructions displayed on the screen to capture the pensioner’s face.
Choose a place with sufficient lighting and keep the face clearly visible during the verification process.
The pensioner must be present for this step. Another person cannot simply complete the face verification on their behalf.
Step 6: Complete Fingerprint Verification
Follow the fingerprint instructions provided by the application.
Make sure the fingerprints are captured correctly. If the app requests another attempt, follow the instructions and try again.
Once the required verification steps are completed, review the information and tap the Apply button to submit your request.
Step 7: Find Your Proof of Life Certificate
After successful processing, check the ID Vault section of the PakID application.
Open My Documents and look for the POLC folder to access your Proof of Life Certificate.
Keep a copy of the certificate for your personal records.
Important: The pensioner should follow the status displayed in the application. Completing an application does not necessarily mean that verification has been successfully processed. Confirm that the certificate has been issued.
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What Happens After NADRA Verification?
The new system is designed to reduce unnecessary visits to banks and pension offices.
Once the proof of life verification is successfully completed, NADRA sends the digital life signal to the relevant pension authority through its connected system.
For pensioners covered by the federal SOP, the process works as follows:
- The pensioner completes the required identity verification through an authorised NADRA facility.
- NADRA processes the Proof of Life Certificate.
- The digital life signal is transmitted to the relevant authority.
- CGA or MAG updates the pensioner’s verification status.
- The pension continues according to the applicable pension rules.
Pensioners do not normally need to take a printed certificate to their bank for routine proof of life verification.
Do Pensioners Still Need to Visit Banks?
Under the revised federal SOP, commercial banks no longer have their previous routine administrative responsibility for collecting, retaining or validating pensioners’ proof of life certificates and biometric information.
Their primary role is to disburse pension payments.
Banks also cannot mark a pension disbursing account dormant or impose debit restrictions solely because the pensioner has not submitted proof of life to the bank.
However, this does not mean that banks have no responsibility for other banking matters. Pensioners should still contact their bank if they experience an ordinary payment or account-related problem.
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What If a Pensioner Cannot Use a Smartphone?
Not every pensioner has a smartphone or feels comfortable using mobile applications. NADRA has provided alternative facilities so that elderly and other eligible pensioners can complete verification without depending entirely on the PakID app.
The available options include:
1. Visit a NADRA Registration Centre
Pensioners can visit a nearby NADRA Registration Centre to complete their Proof of Life Certificate.
NADRA has announced free verification services at its registration centres. Pensioners can ask staff for assistance with the process.
2. Use an Authorised e-Sahulat Franchise
Another option is to visit an authorised e-Sahulat franchise.
NADRA has announced that the proof of life service is available free of charge through more than 5,000 e-Sahulat franchises across Pakistan.
Before visiting, confirm that the franchise provides the required pension verification service.
3. Get Help From an Eligible Family Member
An eligible family member can help an elderly pensioner submit a request through their own PakID account.
The pensioner must still be present when the application requires face and fingerprint verification.
This option can be particularly helpful for parents or grandparents who find mobile applications difficult to operate.
4. Use NADRA Mobile Services
Pensioners who have difficulty travelling can check the availability of NADRA’s mobile registration vans and other assisted service channels.
These facilities are intended to make identity and proof of life services more accessible to people with limited mobility.
5. Submit a Manual Life Certificate Where Permitted
Some pensioners may be unable to complete digital verification because of advanced age, medical conditions or other genuine difficulties.
The revised procedure provides a manual alternative through Form-10 for eligible cases.
Such pensioners should contact their relevant District Accounts Office or Pension Facilitation Centre to confirm the submission requirements and complete the prescribed process.
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What Happens If You Miss the 180-Day Proof of Life Deadline?
Completing proof of life verification within the required period is important because the pension authority needs confirmation that the pensioner is alive.
Under the revised federal procedure, the system tracks the verification period using the latest successful proof of life record.
If no valid digital life signal is received for six consecutive months, the pension may be moved into suspense status.
This means pension payments can be temporarily held until the required verification is completed.
However, pensioners should understand that a suspense status is not the same as permanent cancellation of pension entitlement.
Will the Pension Be Restored After Verification?
Yes. Under the revised SOP, once NADRA sends a valid digital life signal, the pensioner’s status is restored automatically.
Any applicable outstanding pension amounts are also released according to the prescribed procedure.
Pensioners should not panic if their payments are temporarily held because of missing verification. They should complete the required process as soon as possible and contact the relevant pension authority if the payment is not restored.
What About Bank Accounts Marked Dormant Before August 22, 2026?
The revised SOP also addresses pension accounts that were marked dormant before August 22, 2026.
Such accounts are to be reactivated through the prescribed NADRA biometric verification process or upon receipt of pension credit from CGA or MAG from September 2026 onwards.
Banks are not permitted to continue treating pension accounts as dormant solely because of missing proof of life verification under the applicable federal rules.
Special Instructions for Family Pensioners
Family pensioners should pay particular attention to the additional documentation requirements.
In cases where continuation of a family pension depends on marital status, the relevant non-marriage or non-remarriage declaration must remain up to date.
Form-12 is used for the prescribed declaration in applicable cases.
Family pensioners should confirm the requirements with their relevant pension authority because the documents and verification process may depend on the type of family pension and the applicable rules.
Completing proof of life verification does not automatically replace other required declarations.
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Does the New NADRA Pension Verification System Apply to Punjab Government Pensioners?
Pensioners should check which authority processes their pension before following the federal procedure.
The September 18, 2026 Finance Division SOP specifically covers pensioners administered through the pension controllers listed in its annexure under CGA and MAG.
It should not automatically be assumed that every provincial government pensioner is covered by the same federal SOP.
Punjab has introduced digital reforms in its pension and retirement-related procedures. However, Punjab government pensioners should confirm the applicable proof of life requirements with their own pension office or relevant provincial accounts authority.
The same advice applies to pensioners receiving payments through other provincial or specialised pension arrangements.
If you are unsure whether the federal digital procedure covers your pension, check with the authority responsible for processing it before relying on the new 180-day verification process.
NADRA Proof of Life Certificate 2026: Cost and Assistance
NADRA has announced that the Proof of Life Certificate service is free through its specified facilities.
The following table summarises the main options.
| Verification Method | Service Information |
|---|---|
| PakID mobile app | Free digital verification |
| NADRA Registration Centre | Free verification |
| Authorised e-Sahulat franchise | Free verification |
| NADRA mobile services | Availability depends on the service channel |
| Manual Form-10 | Contact the relevant pension office for the procedure |
NADRA has also announced preferential service for pensioners at its registration centres and Union Councils.
Pensioners should use authorised facilities and avoid paying unofficial charges to anyone claiming to arrange a certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Often Must Pensioners Complete Proof of Life Verification in 2026?
Eligible pensioners covered by the revised federal SOP must complete proof of life verification every 180 days, or approximately six months.
The previous fixed March and September schedule has been replaced by a verification cycle based on the latest successful verification.
2. Can I Complete My Pension Proof of Life From Home?
Yes. Eligible pensioners can use NADRA’s PakID mobile application to complete the required verification from home.
The process includes the prescribed face and fingerprint checks. After successful processing, the certificate is available through the app’s ID Vault.
3. Is the NADRA Proof of Life Certificate Free?
Yes. NADRA announced that its Proof of Life Certificate service is free through PakID, NADRA Registration Centres and authorised e-Sahulat franchises.
4. Do Pensioners Still Have to Submit Life Certificates to Banks?
No. Under the revised federal SOP, commercial banks no longer have the ordinary responsibility to collect or validate pensioners’ proof of life certificates.
Their main role is to disburse pension payments.
5. What Happens If I Do Not Complete Verification Within 180 Days?
If the pension authority does not receive a valid digital life signal for six consecutive months, the pension may move into suspense status and payments can be temporarily held.
The pension is restored automatically after the valid digital life signal is received, with applicable arrears released under the procedure.
6. Can My Son or Daughter Complete My Proof of Life Verification?
An eligible family member can submit the request through their own PakID account using the relevant family option.
However, the pensioner must be present for the required face and fingerprint verification.
7. What Should Very Old or Bedridden Pensioners Do?
Pensioners who cannot use the mobile application or travel easily can explore NADRA’s assisted services, including available mobile facilities.
Where digital verification is not possible because of advanced age or medical circumstances, eligible pensioners can contact their District Accounts Office or Pension Facilitation Centre about the manual Form-10 procedure.
8. Does the 180-Day Rule Apply to All Government Pensioners in Pakistan?
Not necessarily. The September 18, 2026 federal SOP applies to pensioners administered by the pension controllers listed under CGA and MAG.
Provincial and other pensioners should confirm their applicable requirements with the authority responsible for their pension.
9. Will My Pension Be Permanently Cancelled If I Miss Verification?
Missing verification can result in a temporary suspense status under the applicable federal procedure. Once a valid digital life signal is received, the pension is restored automatically and applicable arrears are released.
10. Where Can I Get Help With My Proof of Life Certificate?
Pensioners can use the official NADRA PakID app, visit a NADRA Registration Centre or contact an authorised e-Sahulat franchise.
For pension payment or account status problems, contact the relevant pension authority or pension-disbursing bank.
Final Words
The digital proof of life system is an important change for eligible pensioners in Pakistan. Instead of making routine visits to bank branches, pensioners can now complete their verification through NADRA’s PakID application or use an authorised service centre.
The most important thing is to complete verification within every 180-day period and make sure that the certificate has been successfully processed.
Elderly pensioners who cannot use smartphones also have alternative options, including NADRA Registration Centres, e-Sahulat franchises and the prescribed manual procedure where applicable.
Check your last successful verification date, keep your identity information accurate and contact your pension office if you are unsure which procedure applies to your pension.
