The Balochistan government has announced significant changes to its pension policy on the same lines as the federal government's framework.
A notification issued by the provincial finance department outlined the updated guidelines, which aim to streamline pension disbursements.
According to the new policy, family pensions will now be valid for 10 years. However, in cases where the deceased's children are disabled, the pension will be granted for life. Additionally, the pension will be paid even until the children reach the age of 21.
This revision is part of the provincial government's efforts to align its policies with the federal system and ensure financial support for families of retired or deceased government employees.
Last week, the federal Finance Ministry announced a revised definition of the Special Family Pension, limiting its eligibility to the families of martyrs from the armed forces and civil armed forces only.
Also Read: Rules for Special Family Pension revised
According to an official notification issued by the Finance Division, the new rules clarify that family members of individuals who achieve martyrdom while serving in these capacities will be entitled to receive the pension for a duration of 25 years. The ministry further emphasised that this amendment was part of a broader update to the pension rules for government employees.
A clarifying office memorandum was issued to ensure proper implementation and understanding of these changes across all relevant departments.
On Jan 1, Pakistan fulfilled another condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by introducing pension reforms for retired federal government employees. The Ministry of Finance issued two notifications in this regard.
Also Read: Govt enforces new pension reforms to meet IMF condition
According to the new reforms, retired employees would receive a pension equivalent to their average salary over the last 24 months. The pension would be annually increased based on the average salary.
Additionally, the double pension system had been abolished. If a retired employee returned to work in any institution, they would only be able to receive either their salary or pension, not both. Furthermore, in cases where both the husband and wife were federal government employees, eligibility for pensions had been clarified.
If the husband took up a new job after retirement, the pension would only be awarded to the retired wife. If both spouses retired, they would be entitled to separate pensions.
