The Supreme Court of Pakistan has clearly ruled that pension is a legal right, not a form of charity, alms, or donation. The judgment makes it clear that a pension is something a person earns during their service and cannot be taken away or treated as a favor.
The ruling came from a three-member bench led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. The Court stated that pension is actually a form of compensation for services already provided. It is backed by law, service rules, and regulations, which means no department has the authority to deny it without a strong legal reason.
This important judgment was announced while hearing the appeal of Qazi Khalid Ali, a retired employee whose pension benefits had been refused by the Ministry of Law and Justice. He had served his institution but was denied his rightful pension, which forced him to approach the courts for justice.
The Supreme Court, after reviewing the case, ruled in his favor and directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to reconsider the matter under the correct legal framework.
The Court also reminded government departments that pensions are not optional; they are a guaranteed entitlement for those who have completed their service.
This decision is being seen as a landmark ruling, giving hope to many retired employees facing similar issues.
It reinforces the idea that pensions are a form of financial security for citizens after retirement and must be protected. The verdict sends a strong message that the rights of retired employees should be respected and upheld.
