EOBI Pensioners Protest for Double Pension

As the budget for 2024 has been announced without any increase in EOBI pensions, pensioners across Pakistan have taken to the streets in protest. The elderly beneficiaries of the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) are demanding a substantial hike in their pensions, pushing for either a doubling of their current pensions or significant reductions in the prices of essential groceries and utility bills.

The protests, which have erupted in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, highlight the financial struggles faced by EOBI pensioners. Many of these elderly citizens rely solely on their monthly pensions to cover their basic living expenses. With the recent surge in inflation, they find themselves grappling with skyrocketing prices of food, medicines, and utilities.

Protesters are holding placards and chanting slogans, expressing their frustration over the government’s inaction. “We have worked hard all our lives and now we are left to suffer,” said one pensioner in Lahore. “The government must take immediate action to address our plight.”

Despite the government’s assurance of economic stability, the pensioners remain unconvinced, insisting that their financial hardships be addressed promptly. As the demonstrations gain momentum, the pressure mounts on the authorities to respond to the demands of one of the most vulnerable segments of society.