KARACHI:
The Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) is a social insurance institution established under the EOBI Act on April 1, 1976, which became operational in February 1982. It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
The EOBI Pensioners’ Welfare Association (EPWA) wishes to draw the attention of the highest authorities in the country to the severe hardships faced by elderly pensioners, who deserve to live their remaining years with dignity, security, and peace of mind.
Many retired workers aged 60 and above receive a meagre monthly EOBI pension of Rs11,500 to meet their essential living expenses, including food, housing, clothing, medicines, utility bills and transportation. In the face of soaring prices and persistent inflation, this amount is grossly inadequate to meet even their most basic needs. These pensioners have devoted their lives, skills and experience towards the economic, industrial and commercial development of Pakistan. Yet, at this vulnerable stage of their lives, a large number are experiencing severe financial hardship and mental distress because they cannot afford the necessities of daily living.
It is pertinent to point out that the EOBI pension system is funded through contributions prescribed under the law, including employer contributions linked to wages. Consequently, the case for improving pensions deserves serious consideration in light of the institution’s financial position and obligations to its beneficiaries. The feasibility of a substantial pension increase should be assessed transparently, keeping in view the available funds and the legitimate needs of pensioners.
Under the circumstances, EPWA urges the federal government to revise the EOBI pension to an amount equivalent to the prevailing minimum wage, or to introduce a phased increase toward that benchmark. Furthermore, all EOBI pensioners should be provided with government-supported health cards or an equivalent healthcare facility, enabling them to obtain essential medical treatment without facing unbearable financial burdens.
EPWA therefore appeals to the federal government and the relevant authorities to treat these proposals as an urgent matter of social justice and human dignity. The unprecedented rise in the cost of living has made meaningful pension reform and healthcare support more urgent than ever. Senior citizens deserve more than sympathy. They deserve practical measures that protect their dignity, alleviate their suffering and enable them to live their remaining years in security and honour.
Azfar Shamim
Karachi
