PM reaffirms commitment to strengthening social, economic protection for senior citizens

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening social and economic protection for senior citizens through policy measures, institutional reforms and practical initiatives.

In his message on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, being observed on October 1, the prime minister paid tribute to senior citizens in Pakistan and around the world, acknowledging their lifelong contributions to the social, economic and moral fabric of society.

He said senior citizens were custodians of collective wisdom, experience and values, and had played an important role in guiding and nurturing successive generations.

The prime minister said the government was committed to translating its respect for senior citizens into effective policies, institutional reforms and concrete measures. In this regard, he highlighted steps taken to strengthen their social and economic security.

He said a digital verification mechanism had been introduced to facilitate pension payments to elderly employees, enabling them to obtain life certificates through digital verification from home instead of undergoing the inconvenience of physical verification at offices.

He said other measures included expansion of the scope of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and provision of special financial assistance to deserving senior citizens under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

The prime minister said the government was committed to further expanding such welfare initiatives so that no senior citizen remained deprived of basic social protection.

He said the government was also working to improve systems for the facilitation of older persons in line with international frameworks, with implementation of the United Nations-backed Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) among its key priorities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the government was pursuing a coordinated policy framework and continued institutional reforms in accordance with national commitments and priorities to protect the rights and wellbeing of senior citizens.

He said ensuring access to healthcare for older persons remained among the government’s priorities. In collaboration with provincial governments, he added, work was underway to strengthen specialised healthcare facilities for senior citizens within the public health system and expand health insurance coverage for them.

The prime minister said building a society that guaranteed dignity, respect and facilities for senior citizens was a true reflection of human welfare and wellbeing.

He observed that the constructive inclusion of older persons in social life and their active participation in community activities were indicators of social development.

The prime minister also highlighted the important role of provincial governments, civil society organisations and the private sector in building a welfare-oriented society, and called upon all relevant stakeholders to support the federal government’s efforts.

He stressed that ensuring the welfare of senior citizens required not only legislation but also collective efforts to build a society based on compassion and a sense of responsibility.

Prime Minister Shehbaz particularly called upon the youth to ensure respect, care and support for their elders, saying it was consistent with the country’s religious teachings and cultural traditions.

He urged society to further strengthen bonds and mutual respect among generations and work towards a future in which the welfare, dignity and protection of citizens of all ages were ensured.