{
  "id": 2261399,
  "title": "Pensioners: PM launches ‘Proof of Life’ certificate system",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/pensioners-pm-launches-proof-of-life-certificate-system",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T00:34:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435832/pensioners-pm-launches-proof-of-life-certificate-system"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated a digital \"Proof of Life\" certificate system for pensioners in Islamabad on Thursday, enabling them to verify their identities from home and eliminate the need to visit banks every six months. The ceremony aimed to highlight the system's benefits for both civilian and military pensioners, particularly elderly individuals, women, and those with disabilities who face challenges traveling to banks regularly. Utilizing biometric and facial verification, the initiative, developed with support from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), promises to enhance convenience and accessibility for millions of pensioners by replacing traditional verification processes with a modern digital mechanism. Speaking at the event, Sharif commended the Finance Minister, NADRA Chairman, a serving general, and Finance Secretary for their contributions, emphasizing that the new system marked a significant step toward making public services more accessible through technology. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the government's ongoing efforts for the country's development and prosperity as it continues its journey towards a \"Digital Pakistan,\" with NADRA playing a pivotal role in the process. Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal noted that the Raast payment system had already accelerated payments and improved transparency, and the facial verification feature addressed a long-standing demand from pensioners, all of which would be offered without cost. The ceremony also featured a video explaining how pensioners could obtain proof-of-life certificates and utilize the new system, with Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and other senior officials in attendance.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [
    "System allows identity verification at home using biometric and facial verification.",
    "Initiative aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for pensioners nationwide."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The launch of the digital Proof of Life certificate system marks a significant step toward making public services more accessible through technology for millions of pensioners, particularly vulnerable groups.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}