Pension cuts

Letter November 24, 2022
Pension cuts

KARACHI:

Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) commonly known as Radio Pakistan was long struggling with a financial crisis, which is now coming to a head as the company has slashed employees’ pensions by almost 50%. Thousands of retired employees have been exposed to severe financial hardship amid surging inflation. According to some reports, the country is on the verge of default as pensioners have been told that they will be paid only after the required money is available.

A large number of retired employees live in rented houses and have no alternative sources of financial support. They have appealed to the relevant authorities to provide them with some sort of financial assistance to prevent drastic consequences. Even current employees have been facing delays in salary, which seems to further validate rumours of default. Considering PBC’s crucial role in launching and promoting journalism in the country, the federal government should have taken adequate measures to protect the company. Over the years, the company has not been allocated sufficient grants to meet its financial requirements leaving it in a poor state.

However, the federal government can still intervene and prevent the company from defaulting by disbursing adequate funds. Funds must be allocated and managed appropriately as thousands of families’ economic survival depends on the company. Given that the PBC still has the infrastructure to meet current broadcasting needs, the government must provide it with the resources to attract audiences and continue functioning.

Osama Bin Asim

Rawalpindi

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24th, 2022.

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