RTI unearths big scandal in pension funds of Pakistan Government
Shares
An RTI inquiry has revealed that pensioners, both civil and military, residing abroad are receiving their pensions in foreign currency. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) states that 164 pensioners living abroad receive pensions in currencies other than the rupee.
This contradicts the reported grievances of retired government servants in Pakistan, who complain about non-payment of pensions in rupees. The issue came to light through RTI activist Naeem Sadiq's efforts to obtain information after hearing about a retired squadron leader abroad receiving a Pakistani pension in dollars.
Despite facing reluctance from the Pakistan Air Force, MoFA, and the Accountant General of Pakistan, Sadiq's persistence led him to the Islamabad High Court. MoFA eventually shared that 164 pensioners abroad receive a yearly burden of Rs200 million in foreign exchange, prompting Sadiq to assert a violation of Article 25 of the constitution.
He argues that providing this favor harms Pakistan's interests and calls for an immediate end to paying pensions in foreign currency. This situation contrasts with reports of delays in salary disbursement for diplomatic staff abroad due to a dollar shortage and occasional non-payment of pensions in Pakistan.
