Recently, it has been revealed that the EOBI holds substantial financial assets. According to the details shared in the parliament, EOBI’s assets as of June 30, 2024, exceed Rs522 billion, featuring: fixed income assets worth Rs427.69 billion, equity worth Rs36.76 billion, and real estate worth Rs58.12 billion. Additionally, the income and expenditure figures reflect robust financial health. For example, the contribution collected in 2023-24 amounted to Rs39 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 24%, surpassing the target of Rs33.55 billion. The proposed contribution target for 2023-24 is Rs55 billion, which demonstrates an encouraging trend of financial growth.
Despite this financial progress, EOBI pensioners across the country continue to receive an average monthly pension of Rs10,000. In December 2024 alone, Rs4.7 billion were released to benefit 427,149 pensioners, while contribution collections exceeded Rs60 billion. These numbers illustrate the financial capability of EOBI to enhance pensions meaningfully. Therefore, the government must raise the pension amount to reflect the institution’s financial strength and fulfill its responsibility to support pensioners’ survival and dignity.
Azfar Shamim, EPWA
Karachi
