This refers to the news story, ‘Notification for restoration of surrendered portion of pension urged’ (January 29). The demand of the pensioners – both federal and provincial – for the restoration of commuted pension with periodical increases therein as allowed by the respective governments from time to time is not being voiced for the first time by this weak and most neglected segment of society.
Their feeble voices unfortunately go unheeded despite categorical decisions of the superior judiciary – the last handed down by the Supreme Court of Pakistan almost one whole year back on March 31, 2014 in response to a constitutional petition filed by the finance division. This decision has already been implemented by the Punjab government in July last year. Many old pensioners have already passed away during the intervening period.
Niaz Ahmad Khan
Peshawar