Govt introduces pension reforms to reduce financial burden

ISLAMABAD: After announcing a 15 percent hike in post-retirement funds for employees in budget FY25, the federal government has unveiled its reforms to the pension scheme with the aim to initiate a gradual reduction in superannuation liabilities.

The fresh amendments were introduced by the federal government to cope with an increasing burden on the national exchequer on account of pensions to entitled employees and their families.

The documents, obtained by Geo News, of the reviewed pension scheme showed recent modifications approved and notified by the federal government, covering different categories of post-retirement allowances, and existing and future pension hike plans.

Sources told Geo News that the amendments were formulated in consultations with finance, defence and interior ministries.

Federal government employees shall be entitled to a gross pension based on 70 percent of average pensionable emoluments drawn during the last 24 months of service prior to retirement.

In the light of proposed amendments, a pensioner will have the option to retain either a pension or to draw a salary from said employment in case of re-appointment in public service on a regular or contractual basis after retiring at the age of 60 years.

Ordinary Family Pension, after the death or ineligibility of the spouse, shall be admissible to remaining entitled family members for a maximum period of 10 years, the document read.

In the case of the entitled children, Ordinary Family Pension shall remain admissible for 10 years or till the age of 21 years whichever is later, it added.

The government employees who came under the category of accidental retirement would get pensions by the age of 60 years.

Special Family Pension, after the death or ineligibility of the spouse/first recipient, shall be admissible to remaining entitled family members for 25 years after the death or ineligibility of the spouse/first recipient.

In the case of disabled or special children of a pensioner, the Special Family Pension shall remain admissible for the life of such children.

A federal government employee may opt for retirement after putting in 25 years of service; however, the employee shall be liable to a flat reduction rate of 3 percent per year in gross pension based on the number of completed months from the date of retirement to the date of superannuation. Such flat reduction in gross pension shall be capped at 20 percent.

Provided that in cases of armed forces and civil armed forces, voluntary retirement penalties will apply only if retirement is sought and granted prior to the prescribed rank service, the document stated.