Senior citizens

Senior citizens are always given privileges throughout the world, but in Pakistan the law intended to give special concessions and privileges to senior citizens has been pending for quite some time. Individuals above the age of 60 are classified as senior citizens and in all civilised countries, including some of the developing countries, senior citizens are given special concessions and privileges to not only the resident senior citizens, but to visiting senior citizens from other countries as well. They get special rebates in travel, hotels, entertainment and even purchases from major super stores etc. But in our country, old pensioners and senior citizens are not given any rebates ,respect or privileges .Let alone rebates or concessions they are not even given the privilege of a separate queue so they do not have to wait for a long time in banks and other public places.

That being said, it is beyond one’s comprehension why ministers and parliamentarians are so indifferent to the plight of ordinary senior citizens and pensioners. The government should follow the example set by other countries regarding senior citizens.

Zaheer Ahmed

Islamabad