The national budget is now in its formative stage. Even if the serving government employees do not get any raise in the budget, they are going to receive their annual increments anyway. But, unfortunately, the retired employees for whom it is already becoming more and more difficult to make ends meet are likely to receive a stingy treatment by the government – as usual. Twenty five percent of their pension which is called medical allowance always stays frozen, so whatever little increase is announced for them, they get it only on 75% of their gross pension. The government must start a regular system of annual increment on pensions as given to the serving personnel. Moreover, it is sad to note that although the committees appointed to revise emoluments are named as pay and pension commissions, such committees always recommend substantial upward revision of serving pay scales but mention a paltry raise in pensions in the small print in its footnotes only. The old pensions must also be revised on the lines of new pay scales.
We hope that the government will pay heed to our distressful pleas and give them right humanitarian consideration.
ABDUL QUDDUS
MUZAFFARGARH