ISLAMABAD (HRNW): The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to immediately release 24 years of outstanding pension arrears to a former employee. Expressing dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay, the apex court has sought a formal response from the Managing Director (MD) of PIA.
Case Background:
The order was issued during the hearing of a petition filed by Mustafa Ansari, a former PIA employee who was retired in 2002 under a specific departmental scheme. The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that while regular pension payments and other benefits were initiated following a prior order from the Sindh High Court, the accumulated arrears spanning over two decades remain unpaid.
Strict Warning to Management:
The bench issued a stern warning to the airline’s management, stating that if the pension arrears are not cleared before the next hearing, the MD of PIA will be required to appear before the court in person to explain the non-compliance. The court emphasized that withholding the legal dues of retired employees is an unacceptable practice.
Ensuring Labor Rights:
This ruling is seen as a significant victory for pensioners struggling against bureaucratic delays in state-owned enterprises. The Supreme Court has mandated that a compliance report be submitted, ensuring that the rights of the retired staff are upheld without further administrative hurdles.
Stand with us for the protection of human rights! Support the world’s No. 1 human rights news portal, HRNW (Human Rights News Worldwide). Our mission is to amplify the voice of the oppressed and strive for justice globally.
To support our cause and contribute, please visit: https://www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
