PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Retired Pensioners Action Committee has alleged that pension payments to more than 250 retired employees, widows and orphans have been suspended following the alleged re-appropriation of funds allocated to the Board during the financial year 2025-26 for activities related to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The committee claimed that funds received by the PSB from the federal government, including allocations meant for pension payments, were allegedly diverted to finance international tours and other expenses linked to the revival of hockey.
The pensioners said the suspension of payments had created serious financial difficulties for elderly retirees, widows and orphans, many of whom depend on pensions for household expenses, medicines and medical treatment.
They alleged that the re-appropriation of funds reflected misplaced funding priorities and called for transparency in the allocation and utilisation of PSB funds.
The committee also claimed that several pensioners had suffered serious health problems amid financial and psychological stress. It alleged that a retired Mali died of a heart attack, while a former head waiter and a director suffered paralytic strokes. These claims could not be independently verified.
The pensioners maintained that pension is a legal entitlement and urged the authorities to ensure timely payment of pension dues.
They appealed to Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah Khan and the judiciary to take notice of the alleged diversion of funds and help resolve the issue.
The committee demanded immediate release of three months’ outstanding pension from the current financial year’s budget, particularly to facilitate medical treatment and meet essential needs of critically ill retirees, widows and other beneficiaries.
