SC restores post-retirement benefits of 9 PAF employees

Bench observes offer of retirement before 20 years of service was against rules

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court on Tuesday restored pensions and privileges of former employees of the Pakistan Air force (PAF) who were going abroad for employment after their forced retirement from the PAF.

During the hearing appeals against PAF employees, the additional attorney general told a two member bench, headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, that the offer of forced retirement before 20 years of service was against the rules requested the court to give its observation in that matter.

Previously, the high court had approved the application of nine PAF employees and ordered payment of pensions and other benefits to them. The apex court disposed of the appeal against the high court ruling.

The additional attorney general informed the bench that as per law, the PAF could not offer the retirement option before 20 years of service, before fell into the category of punishment. However, employees wishing to quit their jobs could resign.

He added that the accountants withheld retirement benefits and pensions of the employees, taking the force retirement as punishment. The court dismissed the appeals with the observation that the offer of forced retirement before 20 years of service was against the rules.