The retiree mandate is unconstitutional and contrary to the fundamental rights of retired civil servants
The Lahore High Court has sought a detailed response from the Punjab government and the Special Secretary Finance to a petition challenging the provincial government’s recent decision to cut pension benefits of government employees.
The Chief Justice heard the petition filed by Muhammad Aslam and others. As per the earlier directive of the court, 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 reduce the pension rights of retired employees.
“Under the new amendments, the government has reduced the pension to the equivalent of three years’ salary,” he argued, calling the move a violation of the established pension formula and a long-standing administrative practice.
He further contended that the government’s decision was unconstitutional and against the fundamental rights of retired civil servants. “Reducing the pension not only undermines financial security after retirement, but also contravenes the principles of fairness and legitimate expectation,” argued the lawyer.
The petition urged the court to declare the Punjab government’s decision to cut pensions illegal and void. After hearing the arguments, the court issued notices to the Special Secretary Finance and other respondents to submit their written responses and adjourned further proceedings till December 2.
Last month, the Supreme Court emphasized that the right to retire is a constitutionally protected right, not a matter of generosity, and is intrinsically linked to the dignity and livelihood of retired employees.
“Pension is not a matter of generosity, charity or benevolence – it is a right protected under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 and inseparable from the right to life, dignity and livelihood, for without sustenance in old age, these rights ring hollow,” said a 10-page judgment written by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah.
The decision emphasizes that it should be taken more seriously by public servants for whom it is a crystallized return on years of loyal service, a form of deferred salary earned through an employee’s sweat, work and loyalty. “This embodies the principle that those who serve should not be cast aside in the twilight of their lives,” the text adds.
