Overseas pensioners to get faster payments via new online system

The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Controller General of Accounts and the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues, has launched initiatives aimed at improving the pension disbursement system for overseas Pakistani retirees, Associated Press of Pakistan reported on Sunday.

According to a document obtained by Wealth Pakistan, the government is addressing longstanding issues related to pension disbursements, data integration, and logistical challenges to ensure pensioners living abroad receive their benefits without delay.

The Finance Division is working to strengthen the pension and General Provident Fund (GPF) management system by improving data integration between autonomous bodies and the AGPR. This linkage is expected to streamline the processing of pensions and GPF contributions, particularly for employees on deputation.

“Better coordination will ensure smoother and more accurate pension transfers for civil servants operating under separate contribution mechanisms,” the Finance Division said.

The ministry is also developing a robust, unified tracking system to securely record pension histories and guarantee timely transfers. Efforts are underway to improve disbursement procedures for employees of abolished or merged entities, as well as for those nearing retirement or superannuation.

“The Finance Division has emphasised prioritising cases involving leave encashment and GPF withdrawals, while safeguarding the rights and entitlements of all pensioners,” the document added.

Overseas retirees are expected to benefit from simplified account opening and verification procedures. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is developing a dedicated online platform enabling biometric and facial-recognition verification from anywhere in the world.

Through the platform, pensioners will be able to submit proof-of-life certificates remotely, removing the need to travel to Pakistan for physical verification. Once operational, the system is expected to reduce inconvenience and ensure timely pension disbursement.

The Finance Ministry has instructed the State Bank of Pakistan to work closely with commercial banks to synchronise systems and implement the proposed online application.

“These reforms form part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise the public sector pension system and provide better services to Pakistan’s pensioners, regardless of their location,” the ministry said.