THE financial difficulties being faced by retired personnelof defence services are immense. Particularly, older pensioners and family pensioners suffer the most.

In many cases, their monthly pensions fall below the minimum wage fixed by the government for unskilled labourers.

As a result, these individuals including war veterans endure severe economic hardshipin their old age.

The minimum pension rates for retirees and widows are revised every four to five years. Despite these periodic increases, the current pension amounts remain woefully inadequate, with most old pensioners receiving no more than Rs12,000 per month, and widows receiving as little as Rs9,000 per month. This meagre amount is insufficient even to cover basic food expenses,letalone otheressential needs of daily living.

A decent pension is essential for a basic but dignified living. In view of the prevailing socioeconomic realities and the steep rise in inflation, there is a compelling need to revise the minimumpension for retired soldiers and widows, and bring it on a par with the minimum wage that is prevalent at any given time.

Arshed Butt Islamabad