LAHORE-UNS: Pensioners of the National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research (NIHCR) have called for the immediate clearance of their outstanding pension payments, describing the prolonged delay as a matter of livelihood, dignity and fundamental rights under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution.
The pensioners said their pensions represent compensation earned through a lifetime of service, hard work and sacrifice, and should not be arbitrarily withheld, delayed or reduced.
They also highlighted the plight of widows and orphans of deceased NIHCR employees who continue to face difficulties in receiving family pensions.
The pensioners have appealed to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Ministry of Education to intervene and review the institute’s financial situation, urging the authorities to ensure that its outstanding financial liabilities are cleared without further delay.
They have also urged the Ministry of Finance to consider a targeted bailout package for NIHCR pensioners and called upon all relevant authorities to treat the issue as a fundamental-rights matter rather than merely a budgetary concern.
The pensioners maintained that timely payment of pensions is essential to protecting the dignity and financial security of retired employees and the families of those who have passed away.
