SENIOR citizens are amongst the most vulnerable of Pakistan`s many disadvantaged groups.

According to figures from the United Nations Population Fund, the number of people over 60 in this country is more than 10 million. The combination of an insensitive state and society means that many senior citizens here do not get the care and support they deserve in their old age. Rights activists point out that the elderly face a tougher situation in urban areas as more traditional family structures in rural areas serve as a safety net. There is some good news in this regard, as a seminar in Islamabad was told by an official of the capital administration and development ministry on Wednesday that a draft law to protect the rights of seniors would be presented in the National Assembly `soon`. However, it should be noted that the draft bill has been in existence since 2007; it has come close tobeing passed yet bureaucratic hurdles have prevented the bill`s adoption.

The draft law covers several areas that would make the lives of the elderly easier. It envisages the setting up of a senior citizens` welfare council. It also calls for separate counters for seniors, discounts on medicines and medical tests, discounts on rail, road and air travel as well as tax relief measures. A Rs1bn endowment fund for seniors in need of financial assistance has also been proposed. Along with legal safeguards, society too needs to modify its attitude; it should stop treating elders like a burden and start thinking of them as assets. The government needs to expedite the passage of the bill and set up a seniors` welfare council so that a framework can be put in place to enable the elderly in Pakistan to spend their golden years comfortably and with dignity.