I request the Prime Minister and the federal government to substantially increase pension relief funds
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is facing arduous economic challenges due to the Covid-19 threat, but is still expected to give some form of relief to both serving and retired government officials.
Whatever ad hoc relief those currently serving shall be provided, the same should be given, if not more, to retired officials who rely solely on their pension and are more often than not living in rented premises. Pensioners who retired prior to the turn of the century should be given special consideration as the average salary during those times were significantly low, subsequently leading to low pensions. The other day, a former deputy from Radio Pakistan who retired in 1999 stated that his pension is less than those who have recently retired. This is because the PPP government had substantially increased the salaries of government officials ahead of the 2013 elections without an increase in pensions. Over the years, civilian and military governments have been treating both serving and retired public officials poorly, awarding them meagre returns for their services. Does all this seem fair?
In the light on this predicament, I request the Prime Minister and the federal government to substantially increase pension relief funds. It is important to safeguard the rights of officials who have tirelessly served the country. The administration should time and again check up on retired officials and provide them with the necessary benefits so that they are able to spend the later part of their lives peacefully.
Saeed Anwar
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2020.
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