Federal Constitutional Court Issues Important Ruling in EOBI Pension Case

Notably, the Federal Constitutional Court has ruled that eligibility for an Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) pension generally requires at least 15 years of contributions, setting aside orders granting pension relief to a former bank employee.

Key points

• Court Rules Workers Eligible for Pension After 14.5 Years of Service.
• The court held that Bhatti did not qualify for the special five-year concession since he became insured on July 1, 2008.
• Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi were additionally part of the three-member bench.
• The case concerned Javed Iqbal Bhatti, whose employment lasted five years, 10 months, and eight days.
• Eligibility, benefit amounts, and payment periods must be determined under the EOBI law.

Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan authored the 12-page judgment. Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi were additionally part of the three-member bench. LHC Restricts EOBI From Automatically Applying Extra Charges.

In practice, the case concerned Javed Iqbal Bhatti, whose employment lasted five years, 10 months, and eight days. He was approved for a Rs. While the federal ombudsman subsequently ordered that he receive a pension, 48, 000 old-age grant in 2015.

Notably, the court held that Bhatti did not qualify for the special five-year concession since he became insured on July 1, 2008. It additionally clarified that approval of an old-age grant does not create an entitlement to a pension.

Meanwhile, the bench distinguished disputes over pension eligibility from complaints of maladministration. Rejecting a pension application does not, by itself, amount to maladministration, it remarked. Complaints involving arbitrary treatment, discrimination, negligence, or unjustified delays are separate matters.

Eligibility, benefit amounts, and payment periods must be determined under the EOBI law. It provides review and appeal mechanisms.

For context, the court set aside the relevant orders of the Islamabad High Court, federal ombudsman, and president, holding that an order issued without jurisdiction cannot become lawful through subsequent presidential or judicial endorsement. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

Taken together, the developments around federal Constitutional Court Issues Important Ruling in EOBI Pension Case point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.