Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the Ministry of Finance and all relevant authorities to immediately release the pension and other retirement benefits of a retired government employee who completed nearly 30 years of service.
Justice Shahrukh Arjumand issued the written judgment on a petition filed by Naveedullah over the non-payment of his pension and retirement dues.
The court observed that a pension is neither charity nor a concession or donation, but a legal and constitutional right of an employee. It described pension as deferred compensation for services rendered during employment, intended to provide financial security in old age.
The IHC directed the relevant authorities to complete all necessary formalities and release the pension and other retirement benefits within 30 days of receiving a certified copy of the judgment.
According to the judgment, the Ministry of Finance had argued that the petitioner's contractual appointment in 2008 was not made through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
However, the court observed that determining the recruitment procedure and referring the case to the FPSC were the responsibility of the relevant department. An employee cannot be penalized for the department's failure to fulfil its obligations.
The court further held that withholding pension benefits at the time of retirement was unlawful after an employee's service had been recognized for nearly two decades.
It directed the authorities to finalize the pension case after considering all relevant orders concerning the petitioner's confirmation, regularization, absorption into another department and approval of Grade 17.
Employee's Service History
According to the judgment, Naveedullah began his government service on May 28, 1995, as a Grading Inspector (BS-13) in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. His services were regularized on August 16, 1997.
Following the devolution of ministries under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, he was transferred to the Central Directorate of National Savings.
In light of a decision by the Cabinet Sub-Committee, his employment was regularized in 2012, and he was absorbed into National Savings in 2015.
The judgment stated that, through a notification issued on October 17, 2016, the employee was granted personal Grade 17 status with the approval of the President of Pakistan, effective from May 28, 1995.
After completing nearly 30 years of service, Naveedullah reached the retirement age on April 22, 2025. However, he approached the Islamabad High Court after his pension and retirement dues remained unpaid.
The court has directed the relevant authorities to review his service record and previous official orders and ensure payment of his pension and all other retirement benefits within 30 days.