Open Letter

To:

Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan Army

Inspector General, Frontier Corps

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif

Governor, State Bank of Pakistan

President, Habib Bank Limited



Subject: Appeal for Relief for Elderly Military Pensioners


Respected Authorities,


The strength of a nation lies in how it treats its citizens, especially those who have served it with dedication. Policies should bring relief, not hardship. Unfortunately, the implementation of the “proof of life” policy for pensioners—particularly by Habib Bank Limited (HBL) in Chitral—has become a source of distress for elderly retired servicemen.


While biometric verification at the bank should be sufficient to confirm a pensioner’s existence, the Chitral branch of HBL demands additional documentation. Pensioners are required to obtain a physical form, have it attested by a Grade-17 officer, and then return it to the bank—even after appearing in person. This process is unnecessary, physically demanding, and humiliating for senior citizens.


Photos attached with this letter show aged ex-servicemen, retired from the Army and Frontier Corps, personally visiting the bank—yet their presence is not considered enough proof unless endorsed by an external officer.


We humbly request the authorities to either revise this policy or direct banks to accept biometric verification alone as valid proof of life. These veterans deserve dignity and ease, not bureaucratic obstacles.


Your kind attention will bring great relief to these honorable citizens and earn their lasting gratitude.


Sincerely,

Iqraruddin Khisraw