Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has mandated the Employees’ Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) to commence lifelong pension payments to Mr. Muhammad Shehzad, a visually disabled individual who was previously denied this benefit following his father’s death. This directive underscores a significant shift in addressing the needs of disabled citizens without familial support.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari responded to a formal appeal from Mr. Shehzad, who has been blind since birth and was left unsupported after the death of his pension-receiving father in 2016. The EOBI had initially rejected Mr. Shehzad’s pension application based on age restrictions outlined in the EOB Act of 1976. However, the President’s intervention highlights a commitment to aligning national policies with constitutional protections for disabled persons, advocating for a legal review to extend pension benefits more inclusively.

President Zardari’s decision not only ensures financial support for Mr. Shehzad but also sets a precedent for future cases where disability and loss of familial support intersect. He emphasized that such individuals deserve robust support from state institutions, reflecting a broader initiative to protect and empower all citizens, particularly those with disabilities.