The order came during a hearing on a petition filed by former PIA worker Mustafa Ansari, who claimed his pension payments had not been released for more than two decades.
According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Mustafa Ansari retired in 2002 under a retirement scheme. Later, the Sindh High Court ruled that he was entitled to receive pension and other benefits. Despite the court’s orders, the pension arrears covering the past 24 years were never paid.
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During the hearing, Justice Shahid Waheed raised serious questions about the delay. He asked whether any law exists that allows an institution to stop pension payments to a retired employee. The petitioner’s lawyer told the court that many other PIA employees are receiving their pensions regularly, but his client has been waiting for years.
On the other hand, PIA’s legal counsel informed the court that he would need instructions from the airline before confirming the payment of the dues.
The Supreme Court took notice of the situation and ordered the airline to pay the pension amount without further delay. The court also summoned the Managing Director of Pakistan International Airlines in a personal capacity.
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Justice Shahid Waheed warned that if the pension is not paid before the next hearing, the Managing Director will have to appear before the court himself to explain the matter. The three-member bench headed by Justice Shahid Waheed adjourned the hearing and set the next date for April 23.
The case has drawn attention to the challenges many retired employees face when waiting for long-delayed pensions. Legal experts say such delays not only create financial hardship for retired workers but also raise questions about institutional accountability.