TO ensure payment on the last day of power to the members of the outgoing government, including speakers and assembly members, the government kept the banks and other offices concerned, including AGPR, open on a Saturday.

Surprisingly, astronomically big amounts were also available in the government budget to meet these foreseen and/or unforeseen requirements.

On the other hand, compliance of court orders in respect of restoration of commuted portion at the rate at which the pensioners were drawing 50 per cent remaining pension, blatantly and mischievously, the ministry took measures to virtually block implementation of orders of superior courts regarding restoration of commuted portion, though their appeals were more than once dismissed by the apex court.

Pleading that the budgetary cover is not available and, therefore, implementation will take effect from July 1, and further complicating it with the proviso that the beneficiaries will have to furnish an undertaking on a judicial paper of Rs50 that the entire amount will be refunded if the apex court accepts the government plea in the constitutional petition under Article 184(3) of the constitution which the government intends to file on some unspecified future date.

I need not point out that this benefit falls due after attaining the age of 75 years when a pensioner is usually not in good health and does not have money or time enough to challenge the decision through the legal system.

It is obviously a cause that needs to be taken up by the media or this case which is fit for contempt of court proceedings will not come to the notice of superior courts or the apex court.

A PENSIONER Karachi