Pensions, arrears to be disbursed on Sept 1, NA panel assured

ISLAMABAD: The Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) on Thursday assured the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development that the pensions would be released, with the minimum pension raised from Rs10,000 to Rs11,500 with effect from January 1, 2025 to be disbursed along with all arrears on September 1, 2025.

The Standing Committee’s Chairman, Syed Agha Rafiullah, said Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution employees or pensioners can approach the committee in case of any issue, and assured immediate action.

Syed Agha Rafiullah chaired the meeting which reviewed multiple matters related to the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution, including property cases, board decisions, senior appointments, and alleged misuse of funds.

Acting Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution Chairman briefed the committee on the institution’s overall performance, structure, and operations.

The briefing covered Pakistan’s social security framework, EOBI’s organisational setup, contribution mechanisms, and the range of benefits provided under the EOB Act, 1976. The committee was informed about ongoing and completed projects, pension disbursements, fund collection and utilisation, and key institutional challenges.

The committee directed EOBI to share all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and board resolutions. Agha Rafiullah instructed that relevant rules be submitted for detailed study.

During the session, MNA Dr Mehreen Bhutto questioned whether the Establishment Division could legally appoint a regular BPS-21 officer as the EOBI Managing Director.

Officials informed the committee that the matter had already been taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office for a final decision.

The panel also took serious notice of revelations that expensive memberships at Islamabad Club and DHA Karachi Club were paid using EOBI funds. The committee was told that while some officials had voluntarily returned their fees, several cases remain pending in courts.

Rafiullah directed the EOBI management to submit a clear update on recoveries in the next session.

To enhance scrutiny, the committee instructed EOBI to provide case-by-case property data and present details in legal format at the next meeting.

It also decided to summon the Director General of the legal team, as well as representatives of the FIA and NAB, to ensure accountability in ongoing investigations.

On pensions, EOBI officials briefed the committee that the federal government had approved an increase through a notification issued on July 31, 2025.

The minimum pension was raised from Rs10,000 to Rs11,500, while those receiving above the minimum pension would get a 15 per cent hike.

Officials explained that the EOBI pension payroll system is locked on the 10th of every month, and new payments would be disbursed from the first date of the following month.

Rafiullah assured that the committee was ready to take action on every case, remarking that “anyone with an issue related to EOBI can approach this committee.” He directed that all pending details should be cleared at “zero level” before the next meeting. The committee also recommended launching a public awareness campaign to highlight the problems of Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution beneficiaries, noting that many deserving pensioners are unable to raise their grievances due to lack of access or awareness.