ISLAMABAD, Nov 23 (APP/DNA): The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Controller General of Accounts and the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues, has undertaken a series of initiatives aimed at improving the pension disbursement system for overseas Pakistani retirees.
According to a document available with Wealth Pakistan, the government is addressing longstanding issues related to pension disbursements, data integration and logistical challenges, ensuring that pensioners residing abroad receive their benefits without delay.
The Finance Division is working to further strengthen the pension and General Provident Fund (GPF) management system by improving data integration between autonomous bodies and the AGPR system. Enhancing this linkage will help streamline the processing of pensions and GPF contributions for employees on deputation.
Since many civil servants working in autonomous bodies operate under separate pension contribution mechanisms, better coordination will ensure smoother and more accurate pension transfers.
To achieve this, the Finance Ministry is planning to develop a more robust and unified tracking system that will securely record pension histories and ensure timely and accurate transfer of contributions.
The Finance Division is also working to improve disbursement of pensions to employees of abolished or merged entities through smoother processes. While many pensioners have been receiving their benefits without difficulty, the Division recognizes the need to further streamline procedures for those nearing retirement or approaching superannuation, particularly in matters such as leave encashment and GPF withdrawals. To strengthen this transition, the Finance Division has emphasized prioritizing these cases and putting in place measures that fully safeguard the rights and entitlements of all pensioners.
A large number of Pakistani retirees living abroad will soon experience greater ease in managing their pension payments, as efforts are underway to simplify account opening and verification procedures.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is developing a dedicated online platform that will enable biometric and facial-recognition verification from anywhere in the world. Through this system, overseas pensioners will be able to submit their proof-of-life certificates remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Pakistan for physical verification.
Once launched, the platform will greatly reduce inconvenience for pensioners and help ensure the timely and uninterrupted disbursement of pensions. The system is in its final development stages and is expected to be rolled out in the near future.
The Finance Ministry has also instructed the SBP to work closely with banks to synchronize their systems and implement the proposed online application, ensuring the smooth flow of pension payments to overseas retirees.
These reforms are part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize the public sector pension system and provide better services to Pakistan’s pensioners, regardless of their location.
