LHC orders Punjab to restore family pensions for daughters
The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench declared the Punjab government’s decision to restrict these payments unconstitutional.
The ruling provides relief to women affected by the Punjab family pension policy. It also directs authorities to restore the daughters family pension benefit across the province.
Justice Ahsan Raza Kazmi announced the verdict while hearing petitions filed by Falak Shah, an affected woman, and Tanveer Sohail Shah, former president of the Rawalpindi District Bar Association.
The court rejected the arguments presented by the Punjab Finance Department and the assistant advocate general. It ordered the government to restore the pension rights of women who were excluded under the 2024 notification.
Why Punjab Changed Its Pension Policy
The case began after the Punjab government issued a notification in 2024. Under this policy, family pension benefits were limited to widows.
The decision excluded unmarried, divorced and widowed daughters of deceased government employees. As a result, many women lost their financial support.
The Punjab family pension restriction affected women across 42 provincial government departments.
The petitioners challenged the decision under Article 25 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. They argued that marital status should not be a reason to deny women their pension rights.
They also raised concerns about the removal of pension for widowed daughters who depended on these payments for their daily expenses.
Similarly, pension for divorced daughters was stopped despite their need for financial support.
Court Orders Restoration of Pensions
After reviewing the arguments, the court accepted the petitions and declared the government’s 2024 notification unconstitutional.
The ruling directs Punjab authorities to restore the daughters family pension benefit to all women affected by the restriction.
It also brings renewed hope for those seeking pension for widowed daughters after losing their payments.
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Women who were previously excluded, including those seeking pension for divorced daughters, may now benefit from the court’s order.
The decision also supports the restoration of the Punjab family pension for eligible women across the province.
The court’s ruling means that the government must take steps to implement the order. The restoration of the daughters family pension will be important for women who lost their regular income after the policy change.
What Happens Next?
The decision has raised hopes among affected women who have been waiting for their payments to resume.
However, the actual relief will depend on how quickly the relevant government departments implement the court’s directions.
The restoration of pension for widowed daughters and pension for divorced daughters will be closely watched by women who were affected by the notification.
The Punjab family pension issue may now move towards implementation, while the daughters family pension arrangements will require action from the concerned departments.
