PENSIONERS over 70 years of age are having a very tough time trying to make ends meet. First, because their pension has not increased in decades and, second, half the pension for a period of 10 years which was commuted on retirement has not been restored.

In all government departments, as well as in armed forces, the pension is increased annually and the commuted pension is restored after 10 years.

The government’s essential service rules were also applied to PIA employees. Why then this discrimination after the retirement?

Finally, the commuted amount which was invested in government savings schemes has lost its purchasing power owing to inflation, while the monthly income of the savings schemes has been halved.

PIA employees have been dealt a double blow.

First, by PIA itself and then by the country’s economic policies. Most old pensioners have been reduced to a state of penury.

On behalf of the old pensioners, I appeal to the authorities to redress our grievances.

Asif Jah

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2017