A number of pensioners, who are residing abroad are drawing their pensions in foreign exchange to which they are not entitled.
The situation relating to current account balance of the country does not permit the federal government to allow pensioners residing abroad to draw pension in foreign exchange, the Finance Division has highlighted.
The Finance Division has taken note of the matter and issued an office memorandum (OM), advising to ensure that no pensioners, who have been appointed after 2nd January, 1959 be allowed to draw pension in foreign exchange.
The OM stated as, “instances have been reported to Finance Division that a number of pensioners, who are residing abroad, are drawing/trying to draw their pensions in foreign exchange.
The situation relating to current account balance of the country does not permit the federal government to allow pensioners residing abroad to draw pension in foreign exchange. Further, in view of the digitization and worldwide accessibility of the banking channel, there would be no need for such permission.
In this regard, it is stated that Section IV of Chapter XLVIII of the Civil Service Regulations (CSR 966 — CSR 973) allows the grant of pension in foreign are residing abroad after retirement. Finance Division, vide O.M No. F. 1(10)EF(B.II)/79-2340 dated 17-11-1980 laid down procedure to be adopted for payment of pension in Foreign Exchange through Pakistani Mission Abroad.
Finance Division is of the definite view that these provisions are meant for those pensioners, who have been appointed before 2nd January, 1959 and the pensioners appointed on or after 2nd January, 1959 are not entitled to draw their pension in Foreign Exchange”.
Finance Division further stated that it is accordingly advised to ensure that no pensioners, who have been appointed on or after 2nd January, 1959 be allowed to draw pension in foreign exchange.
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Yes, it is true that some pensioners are drawing their pensions abroad in foreign currencies. These include mostly the retired officials from the three Armed Forces. Who allowed this facility, when and why, is not known. It must be stopped immediately and any existing financial rule amended. Such a facility is discriminatory in nature against those who are drawing their pensions in local currency. I am at the same time sure that this practice will continue for the reasons known to every Pakistani.