In a major relief measure, the Punjab government has reinstated the old pension rules, allowing widows and unmarried daughters of deceased government employees to receive a lifetime family pension.
According to the latest notification, the Punjab government has restored the earlier provision under the old pension rules, ensuring long-term financial security for eligible family members. The decision reverses the amendment introduced last year, which had limited family pensions to only ten years after the death of the employee.
The notification further clarified that in cases where the deceased employee had multiple marriages, the family pension will be distributed among all eligible beneficiaries according to the established rules. Families have been urged to update their official records with the relevant departments to guarantee the timely release of pensions.
Officials believe that reinstating the old pension rules will provide significant financial relief to families of deceased employees across Punjab, especially widows and daughters who depend on this support.
Previously, in September 2024, the Ministry of Finance had introduced amendments to the pension scheme to address the growing pension bill. These changes, issued through three separate office memoranda, aimed at easing the fiscal burden on the federal government while still providing a steady stream of benefits for retired employees and their families.
This move by the Punjab government signals a shift towards prioritizing family welfare, ensuring that widows and unmarried daughters continue to receive a lifetime pension without restrictions.