ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the relevant authorities to release pension arrears to former Auditor General of Pakistan Buland Akhtar Rana on a conditional basis following his retirement from the civil service, while granting the Ministry of Finance a period of one month to ensure payment of the outstanding dues.
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani observed that although the petitioner had been dismissed from the post of the Auditor General of Pakistan on charges of misconduct, his earlier tenure in the civil service had been duly completed. “Therefore, his arrears should be paid; however, at the time of payment, an affidavit must be obtained from the petitioner stating that if the division bench later declares the decision null and void, the amount will be returned,” the judge directed.
Justice Kayani was hearing a contempt of court petition filed by Buland Akhtar Rana over the non-payment of his pension arrears. During the proceedings, the Ministry of Finance requested one month’s time to process and approve the release of the arrears. According to a report submitted before the court, the total amount of pending pension arrears stands at Rs24 million.
Counsel for the petitioner argued that the arrears had previously been assured to be released within a month. During the hearing, Justice Kayani questioned whether the petitioner had remained a civil servant and was later appointed as Auditor General of Pakistan Revenue after retirement. In response, the assistant attorney general informed the court that the petitioner’s pension had not commenced immediately upon his retirement from civil service; however, monthly pension payments were now being disbursed, while approval for the arrears remained pending with the Ministry of Finance.
The petitioner’s counsel confirmed before the court that his client is currently receiving a monthly pension. Justice Kayani emphasized that court orders must be implemented without delay, warning that non-compliance would create complications. He reiterated that although the petitioner had been removed from the office of Auditor General on grounds of misconduct, his completed civil service entitled him to the payment of pension arrears, which should be released in accordance with the court’s directives.
