LAHORE (Dunya News) – Expressing concern over possible stoppage of pension to the Punjab government employees, a three-member bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed the provincial chief secretary to present a workable strategy before the court.
The bench headed by Justice Shujaat Ali Khan, gave the direction while hearing a case against non-payment of group insurance to Punjab government employees during their lifetime.
Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Advocate General Amjad Parvez appeared before the bench.
The petitioners’ lawyer, Advocate Noshaab A. Khan, argued that in other provinces, government employees receive life insurance during their lifetime. But in Punjab, employees must die to become eligible for group insurance.
He submitted that depriving employees of insurance benefits due to legal loopholes constitutes a violation of fundamental rights. He requested the court to order Punjab to pay group insurance to employees during their lifetime.
The chief secretary informed the bench that the matter would be reviewed in light of its order and reported back. He expressed the fear that the increasing pension burden may require temporarily suspending payment of pensions for a few years.
Justice Khan looked angry at the chief secretary's statement and remarked that he has practically threatened the court, suggesting that even they might not get pensions. He observed that the court is concerned with the welfare of the public and employees, and that what happens to the judges themselves is irrelevant.
Justice Sultan Tanveer remarked that the chief secretary seems worried that even they might not receive pensions.
Justice Khan emphasized that the court’s proceedings aim at the welfare of employees and the country. He said, “If the country exists, we exist. These employees are also citizens of the country. The Punjab government and the government in power are accountable to their employees. The province has to run with these employees; they are answerable to the public.”
He observed that three other provinces are providing these benefits, and even the federal government is partially supportive. He warned that if the hardships of employees are not reduced, the system cannot function properly.
Justice Khan also questioned Chief Secretary Zahid how work could proceed without these employees. Advocate General Amjad Parvez replied that without these employees, no work can be done.
The court directed the chief secretary to present a practical solution to resolve the matter and adjourned the hearing.