It is refreshing to note that the authorities concerned are thinking of increasing the rate of pension. However, pensioners who retired more than 20 years ago have a series of reservations that need to be addressed. Retired officers who reached the retirement age 20 years ago were serving their organisations at a pay package that was lower than today’s market rate. The pension calculated at the time was much lower than what is being paid today.
Over the years, the rate of salaries, including minimum wages, has increased due to inflation and other factors. However, the basic pension of people who retired almost two decades ago is still the same. As a result, suitable steps must be taken to ensure a higher percentage increase for those officers who retired over 20 years ago. This should be done in light of inflation rates and other factors. It is hoped that the authorities concerned will consider these ground realities when finalising the pension increase for the financial year 2018-19.
M Akram Niazi
Rawalpindi