The Punjab government has reinstated the lifetime pension policy for widows, abolishing the previous rule that limited pension payments to only 10 years after the death of a government employee.
The decision was approved during a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Following the cabinet’s approval, the Punjab Finance Department issued an official notification implementing the revised pension policy.
Under the updated rules, eligible widows will now continue receiving pension benefits for the rest of their lives. The policy also extends lifetime pension support to unmarried daughters who qualify under the government’s existing regulations.
The notification further explains that if a deceased government employee had more than one wife, the pension amount will be distributed equally among all eligible widows. However, a widow’s pension entitlement will automatically end if she remarries.
The latest decision reverses the previous policy, which restricted widow pension payments to a maximum period of 10 years following the employee’s death. By restoring the earlier system, the Punjab government aims to provide long-term financial security to families of deceased government employees.
Officials said the revised pension policy is intended to reduce financial hardships faced by widows and unmarried daughters who depend on these benefits for their daily living expenses. The government believes that lifetime pension support will help improve social welfare and provide greater financial stability to deserving beneficiaries.
The cabinet approved the measure as part of its broader efforts to strengthen public welfare initiatives and improve support for government employees and their families. Authorities said the revised pension rules will be implemented immediately in accordance with the Finance Department’s notification.
The Punjab government has described the move as an important welfare measure, emphasizing its commitment to protecting the financial rights of widows and other eligible dependents. Officials added that the restored pension policy reflects the government’s focus on providing lasting support to vulnerable families rather than limiting assistance to a fixed period.
