The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PES) has requested the government to introduce a permanent job quota for retired military personnel, stressing that soldiers retire at a young age and should receive fair opportunities in public-sector employment based strictly on merit.
This welfare demand was highlighted during the Society’s 64th meeting held on Sunday under the chairmanship of Lieutenant General Abdul Qayyum (Retired).
Senior PES leaders, including Admiral Abdul Aleem (Retired), Commodore Arshad Khan, and Chief Organizer Aziz Ahmed Awan, along with retired officers and staff from various defence-linked departments, participated.
Welcoming the 27th Constitutional Amendment
While prioritizing welfare concerns, the PES also welcomed the defense reforms introduced through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling them an important step toward modernising Pakistan’s defense structure.
Participants said reforms in the higher defense organization were long overdue, particularly in the context of digital-era warfare. They also praised the creation of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) post to improve joint strategic direction and operational coordination among the three services.
The meeting also backed the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, stating that it would help the Supreme Court focus on constitutional matters while reducing delays in other cases.
The Society maintained that constitutional amendments fall within Parliament’s authority but emphasized that the principle of separation of powers must be safeguarded.
Regarding foreign policy, the PES said Pakistan must pursue a peaceful settlement of issues with Afghanistan through strong diplomacy and support from regional partners. It further urged the government to raise concerns over alleged Indian-backed terrorism at global forums with credible evidence.
The Society also reiterated that pensions for retired soldiers, sailors, airmen, and the families of martyrs should never be allowed to fall below the national minimum wage. It welcomed the government’s decision to create a contributory pension fund designed to become self-sustaining through investment.
However, the PES expressed concern over the slow pace of compensation for ex-servicemen affected by recent floods and called on provincial governments to release the pending payments without further delay.
