KARACHI:
It is deeply unfortunate that the poor workers who spend their entire lives working day and night in mills, factories, industries and offices contributing to the national economy also have deductions made from their salaries every month under EOBI contributions.
However, when these hardworking individuals retire, the pension they receive is woefully inadequate — almost non-existent given the rising inflation. Currently, the monthly pension of EOBI is only Rs11,500 which is even less than the Rs13,500 monthly received by BISP individuals. One can only imagine how a small family can survive in these harsh economic conditions with such a meagre amount. Should they pay electricity bills, gas bills or meet basic household expenses? At old age, finding employment also becomes nearly impossible.
The pension of retired government employees is increased every year while we are ignored. Therefore, I humbly request the honourable Prime Minister Mr Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Finance Minister Mr Muhammad Aurangzeb and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain to take serious notice of this issue. In the upcoming federal budget, the EOBI pension should be increased to an equivalent of labours’ monthly wage of Rs37,000 so that senior EOBI pensioners can live with dignity in the face of rising inflation. We shall be deeply grateful for your kind consideration and timely action.
Sheikh Muhammad Ishaq
Karachi
