Widows concerned as govt moves to cap family pensions

Islamabad:The pension reforms announced by the finance minister in the federal budget 2025-26 have triggered widespread criticism from pensioners and their families, especially over the controversial decision to limit family pensions to a 10-year period following the death of a pensioner's spouse.

Previously, family pensions were disbursed for the lifetime of the deceased pensioner’s spouse. However, under the new reforms, this duration has been capped at 10 years, a move aimed at reducing the government’s long-term pension liabilities.

Moreover, the government has abolished the provision of drawing multiple pensions, a practice that had contributed to the growing fiscal burden. While the government argues that these measures are essential for streamlining pension expenditures, many retirees and their families see it as a cruel blow to their already fragile financial security.

“If a pensioner dies, and his wife is in her seventies or eighties with no other source of income, how can she survive after 10 years?" questioned a retired government servant. The sentiment is shared by many who believe the reforms overlook the economic vulnerabilities faced by elderly widows.

A widow whose husband passed away just weeks ago said her husband was the sole breadwinner. "Now I will receive a family pension only for the next ten years. After that, how am I supposed to live at the age of 70 or 80 without any income?” What will I do after that? I have no income, no savings."

She urged the government to reconsider "these inhumane reforms." Liaquat Ali, a retired officer, argued that while the intention to reduce fiscal pressure may be understandable, the execution of the policy lacked empathy and failed to provide alternative support systems for the elderly dependents of deceased pensioners.

He said that the new rules disproportionately affected elderly widows who were most vulnerable and often lacked employment opportunities, especially in the absence of a proper social safety net.