THE 2016-17 federal budget preparation is in the final stages these days. Millions of pensioners, including myself, are hoping and praying that the pensioners would be given at least a 20 per cent increase in their pensions.

Unlike serving public servants, pensioners have only this source of income to cope with their ever-increasing bills.

It is sad that pensioners don’t have a representative body to voice their concerns and seek a solution to their problems. These lines are penned in the hope that the federal government takes note of their concerns and addresses them.

M.Z. Rifat

Lahore

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2016