The Lahore High Court was informed on Thursday that district accounts officers had been asked through a notification to pay double to old pensioners. An additional finance secretary made the statement before Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah who was hearing different contempt petitions filed by retired government employees including Sher Muhammad and others against non-payment of double pension despite Apex court decision.
The secretary submitted that the step was taken in compliance with the court orders and it would be implemented from August 10. He further submitted that a plan had been chalked for payment of double pension arrears and it had been forwarded to the competent authority for approval. He pleaded the court to allow time for the purpose.
At this stage, Accountant General Office officials including Chief Treasury Officer Rafique Ahmad and District Treasury Officer Muhammad Akhtar sought unconditional apology from the court for issuing a notification based on wrong interpretation of the court orders. However, the court observed that it would look into the matter on next hearing and adjourned the matter till September 10.