The poor PIA pensioners and widows of deceased employees are ignored every year when the government announces an increase in the pensions of government employees, despite the fact that the statutory status of PIA pensioners as ‘federal employees’ being regulated by the Aviation Wing, Ministry of Defense , Government of Pakistan has been given under PIAC Act.
The general impression is that PIA pensioners must be getting a handsome pension but the fact of the matter is that officers who were getting a salary of around Rs 30,000 salary merely get a pension of Rs 5000. Many widows are merely getting Rs 1000 per month pension which is not even sufficient to buy 6 loafs of bread daily for 3 meals which costs Rs. 1080 at Rs 6 per bread.
Pensions in PIA were last increased in the year 2003 and it was decided at that time that there will be a concomitant increase in pensions when salaries are increased; but the Admin Order No 21/2003 dated 31-07-2003 was never adhered to. The next Increase of 15 % was given in year 2009 and many pensioners have not been paid the increased amount as yet.
I shall be highly obliged if you kindly highlight this genuine problem of senior citizens and PIA pensioners in your esteemed journal.
RAJA SAEED KHAN
PIAREA, Islamabad