NADRA Proof of Life Certificate 2026: Now Free for Pensioners via PakID

NADRA Proof of Life Certificate now free for pensioners via PakID app 2026

For years, one of the most frustrating parts of receiving a pension in Pakistan wasn't the paperwork when you retired — it was proving, again and again, that you were still alive. Elderly and bedridden pensioners often had to travel to banks or pension offices repeatedly just to complete recurring verification. That's now changing: NADRA has made the NADRA Proof of Life Certificate completely free for pensioners and dramatically expanded where and how you can get one.

This guide explains what the Proof of Life Certificate (PoLC) is, how the new free and expanded-access system works, and exactly how pensioners (or their family members) can get one — from home, if needed.

What Changed: Free & Widely Accessible PoLC

Announced on 21 August 2026, NADRA made the Proof of Life Certificate completely free of charge for pensioners and enabled access through multiple channels nationwide: the PakID mobile app, NADRA Registration Centres (NRCs), Union Councils, e-Sahulat franchises, and NADRA's mobile service channels. The initiative was launched on the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the Ministry of Defence, the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), and the Military Accountant General (MAG).

What Is a Proof of Life Certificate?

A PoLC is an official document that verifies a pensioner is alive, which pension controllers and banks require periodically to keep disbursing pension payments. Historically, this meant pensioners had to visit NADRA offices in person, submit fingerprints, and wait in long queues — a genuine hardship for elderly, bedridden, or differently-abled retirees.

How to Get Your Proof of Life Certificate — All Available Channels

PakID Mobile App (easiest option): Eligible pensioners can complete the entire Proof of Life verification process digitally from home, without visiting any office.
On behalf of a pensioner: An immediate family member can also obtain the certificate for a pensioner through their own PakID account, subject to NADRA's prescribed identity verification process — useful for pensioners who don't use smartphones themselves.
e-Sahulat Franchises: Available free of charge at more than 5,000 e-Sahulat franchise locations nationwide for those who prefer assisted, in-person service.
NADRA Registration Centres (NRCs): Available at over 988 NRCs across the country, where pensioners receive preferential service without waiting in the regular queue.
Union Councils: Available at around 500 Union Councils, also with priority service for pensioners.
Mobile Registration Vans, Biker Service & Man-Pack Registration: For pensioners who cannot conveniently reach any service point — including those with limited mobility — NADRA extends the service directly to their location.

The National Pensioners Register — What's Behind This Change

The free PoLC initiative is part of a broader reform: NADRA has established a National Pensioners Register. In its first phase, pensioners administered by the CGA and MAG have been brought onto this register, creating an authenticated digital reference for pensioner identity and life-status verification.

The register is designed so pension authorities stay informed of relevant life-status changes automatically — without pensioners or their families needing to separately report the same event to multiple different organizations. Specifically:

NADRA now sends daily digital intimation to the relevant pension controllers whenever the death of a primary or secondary pensioner is reported — either through the Death Notification Tool used by health facilities, or via registration in the Civil Registration Management System (CRMS).
Changes affecting a secondary or family pensioner's entitlement — such as age thresholds or marital-status conditions — are also communicated directly to the relevant pension authority.

In practical terms, this reduces both fraud risk (from pension payments continuing after a pensioner's death) and the administrative burden on genuine pensioners and their families.

Who Benefits Most from This Change?

Elderly pensioners who previously had to make repeated, physically demanding trips to prove they're alive
Bedridden and differently-abled pensioners, now served through mobile vans, biker service, and man-pack registration
Family members of pensioners who can now complete the process on a loved one's behalf through their own PakID account
Pension controllers and banks, who now work with more accurate, up-to-date, and digitally verified pensioner information

Step-by-Step: Getting Your PoLC via the PakID App

Download the official PakID mobile app if you haven't already.
Log in or register using your CNIC and registered mobile number.
Locate the Proof of Life service within the app.
Complete the on-screen identity verification steps (this typically involves a live photo/biometric check).
Once verified, your Proof of Life status is updated digitally — no visit to any office required.
If assisting a family member, use your own PakID account and follow the prescribed relative-verification steps to complete the process on their behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Proof of Life Certificate really free now?
Yes. NADRA has made the PoLC completely free of charge for pensioners across all available service channels.

What is the easiest way to get a Proof of Life Certificate?
According to NADRA, the PakID mobile app is the easiest option, allowing eligible pensioners to complete verification digitally from home.

Can someone else get the certificate for an elderly relative?
Yes, an immediate family member can obtain the certificate on a pensioner's behalf through their own PakID account, subject to NADRA's identity verification process.

What if a pensioner can't reach any service point at all?
NADRA extends the facility through Mobile Registration Vans, Biker Service, and Man-Pack Registration Services specifically for pensioners with limited mobility.

Do pensioners still have to wait in long queues at NADRA centres?
No — pensioners are given preferential service at NADRA Registration Centres and Union Councils, without needing to wait in the regular queue.

What is the National Pensioners Register?
It's a NADRA-maintained authenticated digital register of pensioners (currently covering those administered by the CGA and MAG) that keeps pension authorities automatically informed of relevant life-status changes.

For video guide, view this video

Disclaimer: This information is based on NADRA's official announcement of 21 August 2026 and related media coverage. Processes and access points may be refined further as the National Pensioners Register expands beyond its current phase. Always confirm the latest details on the official NADRA website or PakID app.

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