The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to immediately pay 24 years of pension arrears owed to retired employee Mustafa Ansari.
The three-member bench, headed by Justice Shahid Waheed, issued the order during proceedings concerning non-payment of pension benefits despite earlier rulings from the Sindh High Court.
The court summoned the Managing Director of Pakistan International Airlines in personal capacity, warning of appearance if payments are not made before the next scheduled hearing.
Counsel representing Petitioner stated his client retired in 2002 under a scheme, received pension entitlement orders, but arrears spanning 24 years remain unpaid despite repeated directions.
Justice Shahid Waheed questioned whether any law permits withholding pension payments, while petitioner’s lawyer confirmed other employees are receiving pensions without delay or obstruction from the airline.
Counsel representing PIA informed the bench that institutional instructions would be required before confirming payment, prompting judicial insistence on immediate compliance with pension obligations.
The Supreme Court adjourned proceedings until April 23, directing that failure to settle arrears would necessitate personal attendance of the airline’s Managing Director before the bench.
