KARACHI:
In July, the government announced an 18% increase in the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) pension. The decision was to be implemented in July, but EOBI has not issued any notification in this regard. Some officials say EOBI is required to complete actual valuation before raising pensions, otherwise, it can be challenged in a court of law.
As per Article 19(A) of the Constitution of Pakistan, every citizen shall have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law. Therefore, EOBI should disclose all the relevant documents and data on their website so recipients can better understand the procedural work. However, these details remain a secret and allow corrupt elements to misuse pension funds and delay payments. Over the years, the organisation has gone from bad to worse due to poor governance, mismanagement, and malpractices.
Additionally, EOBI Pensioners Welfare Association and other organisations have already rejected the pension increase and demand a minimum pay equivalent to Rs. 25,000. EPWA requests all the relevant higher authorities to consider the issue at their earliest and ensure that EOBI increases pensions accordingly as these pensions are the only source of livelihood for thousands of elderly pensioners, widows, and disabled elderly persons.
Azfar Shamim
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2023.
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