An RTI inquiry has revealed that pensioners, both civil and military,residing abroad are receiving their pensions in foreign currency. TheMinistry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) states that 164 pensioners living abroadreceive pensions in currencies other than the rupee.
This contradicts the reported grievances of retired government servants inPakistan, who complain about non-payment of pensions in rupees. The issuecame to light through RTI activist Naeem Sadiq’s efforts to obtaininformation after hearing about a retired squadron leader abroad receivinga Pakistani pension in dollars.
Despite facing reluctance from the Pakistan Air Force, MoFA, and theAccountant General of Pakistan, Sadiq’s persistence led him to theIslamabad High Court. MoFA eventually shared that 164 pensioners abroadreceive a yearly burden of Rs200 million in foreign exchange, promptingSadiq to assert a violation of Article 25 of the constitution.
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He argues that providing this favor harms Pakistan’s interests and callsfor an immediate end to paying pensions in foreign currency. This situationcontrasts with reports of delays in salary disbursement for diplomaticstaff abroad due to a dollar shortage and occasional non-payment ofpensions in Pakistan.