The struggle is real

The minimum EOBI pension case in the Supreme Court has been adjourned for indefinite period. This has destroyed the hopes of more than 500,000 senior citizens (aged between 60 and 80 years) who don’t know for how long they have to wait before the justice is served. The issue is quite serious and should be dealt with in an efficient manner. There is no denying that the minimum pension of Rs5,250 is not enough for the elderly who have to survive the burgeoning prices of medicines and other essential commodities.

In civilised societies, senior citizens are given respect and special concessions for living peaceful life, but in Pakistan there is no respect for them. Billions of rupees generated from employees and employers for giving pension and old age assistance to private sector employees are lying with the EOBI. Some funds are being transferred to other departments. The case is pending in the SC for the last five years for want of a firm decision in the matter. The SC should look into the matter and resolve it at the earliest.

Azfar Shamim

Karachi