THE population of senior citizens in Pakistan is on the increase and within a few years it may reach 13 pc of the total population. I suppose there is draft, prepared by higher authorities in the past, but it is still hanging in the balance and yet to be presented and passed through parliament. Before it reaches any final shape, I would like to submit a few suggestions which may be included in the bill:

-Special discounts be given to senior citizens for bus, railway and air fares, free annual medical checkups in all private hospitals.

A special discount be given for treatment and medicines, separate counters in all hospitals, banks and supermarkets be set up to avoid queues and long waits.

— Availability of wheel-chairs and constructions of ramps be made compulsory for all government and public buildings; all multinational organisations and big local business companies be advised to spend a substantial amount of their CSR budget for the benefit of senior citizens; builders of new townships and residential colonies be instructed to build a an old home for senior citizens in their new projects

— The EOBI be revitalised and reformed. The employers be asked to increase their contribution up to 10 pc to the EOBI. The existing private hospitals, hostels, rest-houses and clubs can allocate a few rooms used as old homes for the senior citizens.

All TV Channels be advised to telecast special programmes, emphasizing the care of old parents in the light of our religion and culture.

Senior citizens have already played their innings well by serving the country. Now it is the responsibility of the government and society to pay back and treat them with respect and dignity and make a difference in the quality of their lives.

S.N. ALI
Karachi

Opinion

Editorial

New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.
Ceasefire, finally
Updated 26 Mar, 2024

Ceasefire, finally

Palestinian lives matter, and a generation of orphaned Gazan children will be looking to the world community to secure justice for them.
Afghan return
26 Mar, 2024

Afghan return

FOLLOWING a controversial first repatriation phase involving ‘illegal’ Afghan refugees last November, the...
Planes and plans
26 Mar, 2024

Planes and plans

FOR the past many years, PIA has been getting little by way of good press, mostly on account of internal...