The Sindh Budget for 2025–26 has given an increase of only 8 per cent to its retired employees. This modest rise in pensions has raised concerns among pensioners, who are already struggling with rising living costs and an uncertain economic climate. Many fear that this meagre increment will fail to ease their hardships and may even push some further into poverty.
Pensioners—who served for decades and retired after dedicating the best years of their lives to public service—depend on pensions for their daily needs, as many of them have no other source of income. For these elderly men and women, even small increases in the price of food, utilities, medicines or transportation can be a significant burden. The 8 per cent increase, though described by the government as a relief, falls far short of what is needed to help pensioners cope with ever-rising inflation.
Inflation has been climbing steadily in the country for the past several years. Basic food items like wheat flour, rice, pulses, cooking oil, vegetables and meat have increased drastically in price. The cost of electricity has surged, along with gas and petrol, making it harder for the elderly to manage their monthly bills. Many pensioners suffer from chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, which require regular medical check-ups and costly medicines. A large portion of their pensions is spent on healthcare alone. With such a minimal rise in their monthly payments, they fear they will be forced to cut back on essential medicines or avoid doctors altogether—risking their health and even their lives.
In addition to inflation, there is also the challenge of supporting families. In Pakistan, it is common for retired parents to live with their children and sometimes support unemployed or underemployed adult sons or daughters. Many pensioners also help pay for their grandchildren’s school fees or medical expenses. With such responsibilities, their fixed pension becomes even more stretched. An eight per cent increase is nowhere near sufficient to meet these extra demands, especially as education costs have also soared.
While active staff members may receive allowances, bonuses or promotions that regularly increase their incomes, pensioners receive a fixed amount with only rare annual increments
Pensioners also face administrative hurdles in collecting their pensions. Although the Sindh government has made some efforts to digitalise pension payments, the system still suffers from many flaws. Pensioners must often visit government offices repeatedly to get paperwork done or to correct errors. Many cannot easily travel due to age or illness and rely on relatives to accompany them. Corruption and bribe demands have also been reported at pension offices, making an already stressful process even worse. Even the eight per cent increase, if delayed due to administrative inefficiencies, brings little comfort to these pensioners.
Housing is another major concern for retired employees. Some had government accommodation during their service, but once they retire, they must vacate these houses. Renting a private residence in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur or even smaller towns has become extremely costly. Some pensioners live in old, poorly maintained homes because they cannot afford repairs. Without sufficient funds from their pensions, they are unable to improve their living conditions. The small increase will not solve their housing issues and may only make them feel more helpless.
Social isolation is another silent problem that affects pensioners deeply. Many feel ignored and forgotten by the government they served. While politicians make loud claims about relief and prosperity in the budget, pensioners see only a minor rise that does not reflect the reality they face. This leaves them with a sense of disrespect and emotional pain. Elderly people who do not feel valued or respected often fall into depression or anxiety, further impacting their health. The government’s lack of attention to the genuine needs of pensioners risks creating a growing sense of hopelessness among this vulnerable group.
Another pressing issue is the uncertain future of pensions. Pensioners have repeatedly voiced concerns over whether the government will be able to continue paying pensions if the financial crisis worsens. With Pakistan frequently facing fiscal deficits and relying on external loans, there is constant talk of budget cuts or freezes. This creates anxiety among retired employees that even their current meagre pensions could be reduced or delayed in the years to come. Such insecurity adds to their stress and affects their peace of mind.
Pensioners also highlight the unfair comparison between their raise and the salaries of serving government employees. While active staff members may receive allowances, bonuses or promotions that regularly increase their incomes, pensioners receive a fixed amount with only rare annual increments. They argue that pensions should be adjusted in line with the actual cost of living, not merely as symbolic percentages. An eight per cent rise is simply inadequate in the face of double-digit inflation and reflects a lack of appreciation for their years of service.
As Pakistan’s economic crisis deepens, pensioners fear they will once again be overlooked in next year’s budget
Transport is another neglected concern. Many elderly pensioners rely on public transport to collect pensions, visit doctors, or meet family members. Fares have risen sharply, and with their limited pensions, they sometimes cannot afford even these simple journeys. This lack of mobility further deepens their sense of isolation and helplessness. If the government had offered transport allowances or concessions alongside the pension increase, it could have made a real difference.
Women pensioners face unique challenges. Widows of retired employees often receive survivor pensions, which are even smaller than the original amounts. With the recent meagre rise, their situation remains particularly fragile. Older women are more likely to be dependent on family members and have fewer opportunities to earn supplementary income. They may also face discrimination or neglect within their own households. A more generous pension increase could have helped protect their dignity and improve their standing within the family.
Beyond financial worries, pensioners are also concerned about their legal rights. Laws regarding pension revisions, family pensions and gratuity payments are often complex and opaque. Pensioners feel powerless to pursue legal action if there is a dispute or delay. Legal aid is expensive, and most retired workers cannot afford lawyers. Unless the government ensures clear, transparent rules and an accessible appeals process, many pensioners will continue to suffer in silence—even after a pension increase is announced.
Some pensioners had hoped that the Sindh government would introduce a separate medical allowance or a utility allowance alongside the pension rise, but this did not happen. They are left to cope with skyrocketing electricity, gas and water bills, sometimes receiving disconnection notices when they are unable to pay. For senior citizens, such threats can trigger panic and anxiety. Their only hope is that their pensions will be enough to cover essential services—but with the latest increase, that hope is fading fast.
There is also widespread disappointment about the lack of consultation. Many retired employees feel that the government never listens to their concerns when drafting the budget. If officials had engaged with pensioners’ associations or held public consultations, they might have understood the reality of senior citizens’ lives. Instead, the budget appears to have been prepared with little input from the very people who built up the province’s institutions with their dedication and hard work. This exclusion leaves pensioners feeling disrespected and marginalised.
Pensioners from Sindh government departments are now staring into an uncertain future. The government has failed to address their genuine concerns and has given them no confidence about what lies ahead. As Pakistan’s economic crisis deepens, pensioners fear they will once again be overlooked in next year’s budget.
It is high time the government reviewed its policy towards pensioners with honesty and compassion. After serving their country for so long, they deserve more than a token increment. They deserve financial security, dignity, respect and peace of mind in their old age. An eight per cent increase in pensions offers none of these—and unless the Sindh government takes meaningful action, its retired employees will continue to suffer in silence.