Pensioners have to undergo great hardships every month to get their pension from designated branches of banks. At the twilight of their lives, with their weak structures coupled with ageing illnesses, these people spend their whole day to pursue their pensions.
They spend hours in long queues for their turn whether it's the summer heat, winter chill or rainy season. They suffer and stand the whole day in the open sky with no facilities or shades to sit under. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued an SOP which clearly states that:
1. Effective January 1, 2011 the pensions will be credited direct into the pensioners' bank accounts without submitting a pension claim.
2. The pensioner is to open an individual account where the amount shall on the last day of the month, be credited by the pension office through the main branch of the said bank to the designated branch. The bank account will be exempt from service charges.
3. Pensioners are to submit an option form verified by the concerned bank branch available with all the scheduled banks.
Regrettably, these instructions are not followed and implemented and clearly shows the apathy of the government and society towards these retired pensioners who have devoted their entire life and given their sweat and blood for the development of their beloved country.
In the end, I would appeal to the concerned authorities to show mercy and have pity on these helpless pensioners, who in their old age are compelled to run from pillar to post for their petty pension amounts. A hassle-free, pensioner-friendly policy may please be adopted.
Is it asking for too much if every month the pensions are credited to the bank accounts of the pensioners and, if possible, arrangements are made to deliver cash to them at their doorsteps through courier service/money orders etc.