SC Orders PIA to Pay 24 Years of Pension Arrears to Former Employee

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Wednesday ordered Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to pay a former employee his pension arrears spanning 24 years, ARY News reported.

A three-member bench of the top court, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, heard the petition filed by ex-PIA employee Mustafa Ansari.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that his client retired under a specific scheme in 2002—nearly 24 years ago.

The counsel stated that while other retired employees have been receiving their pensions, his client’s dues remained unpaid.

He further apprised the court that although the Sindh High Court (SHC) had previously ordered that the pension and privileges be granted, the historical arrears were never cleared.

In response, Justice Shahid Waheed questioned whether there was a specific law governing the payment of pensions to employees.

The PIA counsel replied that he would need to seek further instructions from the airline regarding the formal payment process.

The court subsequently ordered that if the pension payments are not settled before the next hearing, the Managing Director (MD) of PIA must appear before the court in person to explain the delay.