A fresh report has highlighted concerns surrounding Pakistan’s growing pension burden.
Around 35 retired government employees or their families reportedly receive pensions while living abroad. These payments are made in US dollars and other foreign currencies.
Data from government institutions covers the period from 2021 to 2026. The information was compiled from sources including Accountant General Pakistan Revenues and the Foreign Ministry.
Millions of rupees were reportedly paid through Pakistani diplomatic missions. The beneficiaries are based in several countries across the world.
These countries include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Italy and Sweden. Payments were reportedly processed through Pakistan’s overseas missions.
Records show that 11 pensioners in Washington received around Rs136.4 million. Ten pensioners in New York received approximately Rs101.5 million during the same period.
Payments were also made to pensioners in Houston, Vienna, Toronto and London. Other beneficiaries were located in Ottawa, Canberra, Vancouver, Rome and Stockholm.
Four pensioners in Ottawa reportedly received around Rs14.3 million. A pensioner based in Canberra received approximately Rs9.3 million.
Individual payments also reached millions of rupees. One retired officer in Houston received around Rs2.3 million during the reported period.
Pensioners in Vienna, Toronto and London received more than Rs2.2 million, Rs2.4 million and around Rs2.1 million, respectively.
The system operates through Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad. Pensions calculated in foreign currencies are converted into Pakistani rupee values.
The relevant mission then makes monthly payments to the retired employee. Eligible family members can also receive payments under applicable rules.
Who are the foreign-currency pensioners?
The list reportedly includes senior officials and diplomats from multiple government departments.
Wali Ullah Khan, a Grade-22 ambassador, is among the reported beneficiaries. Other recipients include former Foreign Service officials and senior ministry officers.
The records also mention officials linked to the Ministry of Commerce and Election Commission. Employees from several other government departments are included as well.
These departments include education, religious affairs, finance and information and broadcasting. Public works and establishment departments are also represented.
The records include former Grade-20 and Grade-21 officials. They also include ambassadors, directors general and additional secretaries.
Other categories include engineers, medical officers and superintendents. Some payments are reportedly made to families of deceased pensioners.
A notable aspect involves the length of time since some beneficiaries left government service. Some retired officials reportedly completed their service 20, 25, 30 or 35 years ago.
Despite their long absence from government service, pension payments reportedly continue. The payments are made through Pakistani missions in their countries of residence.
The issue has gained attention because of Pakistan’s broader pension obligations. The country has around 1.8 million retired government employees receiving pensions.
When other pension schemes and old-age benefit recipients are included, the figure reaches around 4.8 million pensioners.
The government reportedly spends approximately Rs1,100 billion annually on pensions. A significant part of this burden relates to retired armed forces personnel.
Available figures indicate around 1.4 million retired personnel in the broader category. This includes approximately 800,000 retired armed forces personnel.
The foreign-currency payments represent only a small portion of the overall pension bill. However, they have raised questions about pension rules for officials living abroad.
The situation has prompted questions about the legal basis for such payments. Authorities may also need to clarify eligibility requirements and payment procedures.
Further investigation could establish the retirement dates of the beneficiaries. It could also determine their current status and the currencies involved.
Officials may also examine the total payments made over each pensioner’s entitlement period. Such information could provide greater transparency regarding overseas pension arrangements.
The issue also raises questions about other retired officials who previously served abroad. Similar arrangements could potentially involve additional beneficiaries.
The government faces increasing pressure to manage its pension expenditure. Reforms are already being discussed as Pakistan seeks to control long-term fiscal pressures.
The latest figures provide another view of the pension system’s complexity. They also highlight the need for clear rules and transparent payment mechanisms.
For now, the available data shows that some retired officials living abroad continue receiving pensions. The payments are being processed through Pakistan’s diplomatic missions.
The government may need to clarify why these pensions are paid in foreign currencies. It may also need to explain the legal framework governing such payments.
The issue remains part of a wider debate over Pakistan’s pension system. Further scrutiny could determine whether additional reforms are required.
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