THIS is with reference to the report ‘President apologises to pensioner over long wait’ (Jan 17). I recall that on the unfortunate death of a retired professor and his wife due to non-payment of their pension benefits, the Supreme Court had not only condemned the Sindh government, but had issued directions to the all government and local government (LG) offices to make payments to their respective employees within 15 days of their retirement, or face criminal proceedings.

I put in 35 years of continuous service and retired on Dec 21, 2005. I was illegally not allowed to perform duties with effect Jan 13, 1993, to Jan 9, 2005, despite reinstatement orders passed by the learned services tribunal on Oct 5, 2000, and by the apex court on May 6, 2004, against which order the Supreme Court declined to give even the leave to appeal. The departmental authorities have so far declined to implement the valid orders of the Supreme Court and has not released pension to date. The relevant bar association has also failed to come to the aid of the petitioner in violation of their mandatory duty. I have communicated through courier service and registered post with all the relevant offices over the last decade, but there has been no relief on the horizon, which is a violation of a Supreme Court judgment (PLD 2007 SC 35).

One would also recall the death of senior government officer Muhammad Aslam Chandio, who died during the pendency of his case in the Sindh High Court. His end-of-service benefits and pension have not been paid to his family members to date.

The fact that President Arif Alvi took notice of the case involving the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has given hope to the affected individuals and families. If a dispute over Rs2,333 can attract the attention of the president, there is a chance that matters involving life and death will also have his attention.

Mansoor ul Haque Solangi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2022