The measure on the term of pensioners is unconstitutional and contrary to the fundamental rights of retired officials
The Lahore High Court has sought a detailed response from the Punjab government and the special secretary finance on a petition challenging the provincial government’s recent decision to reduce pension benefits for government employees.
The Chief Justice heard the petition filed by Muhammad Aslam and others. Pursuant to the court’s earlier directive, the special secretary finance appeared before the court. During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel, Advocate Maqbool Sheikh, argued that the Punjab government had amended the service rules to limit the pension entitlement of retired employees.
“With the new amendments, the government has reduced the pension to the equivalent of three years’ salary,” he said, calling the measure a violation of the established pension formula and long-standing administrative practice.
He further argued that the government’s decision was unconstitutional and contrary to the fundamental rights of retired civil servants. “The reduction of the pension not only undermines financial security after retirement, but also contravenes the principles of equity and legitimate expectation,” the lawyer said.
The petition urged the court to declare the Punjab government’s decision to reduce pensions illegal and void. After hearing the arguments, the court issued notices to the special finance secretary and other respondents to file their written replies and adjourned the proceedings till December 2.
Last month, the Supreme Court stressed that the right to pension is a constitutionally protected right, not a matter of generosity, and is inherently linked to the dignity and livelihood of retired employees.
“Pension is not a matter of generosity, charity or benevolence; it is a right protected by Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 and is inseparably linked with the right to life, dignity and sustenance, for without sustenance in old age, these rights ring hollow,” stated a 10-page judgment written by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah.
The ruling noted that it should be taken more seriously for those public servants for whom it is a crystallized return of years of faithful service, a form of deferred salary earned through an employee’s sweat, labor and loyalty. “It embodies the principle that those who serve should not be left aside in their twilight years,” he added.
