Pakistan is set to launch a digital pension system that will allow pensioners to verify their identity through facial recognition technology from home. The initiative aims to reduce long queues, banking visits, and delays faced by elderly citizens across the country.
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb shared details of the new system while addressing the National Assembly. He said the government is using digital tools and artificial intelligence to improve public service delivery and reduce manual processes that often cause inconvenience for senior citizens.
Under the new digital pension system, pensioners will verify their identity using facial recognition on mobile phones or other devices. This will remove the need for physical visits to banks or government offices for routine verification steps.
Officials say the system is designed to make pension distribution more efficient, secure, and transparent. It also aims to reduce fraud and identity-related issues that have affected pension disbursement in the past.
The government is expanding digital governance across sectors, and the pension reform is part of wider modernization efforts. Authorities say AI in public services will improve efficiency and build trust.
The finance minister noted improvements in key economic indicators, including a current account surplus and higher remittances. He added that freelancers and overseas Pakistanis continue to play a significant role in supporting the economy.
The new system will help elderly pensioners in rural areas who struggle to travel to cities for verification. By enabling remote identity confirmation, the government hopes to make the process more accessible and less time-consuming.
Officials have not announced a full rollout date, but they are preparing a phased national implementation.
