The Punjab government has approved lifetime pensions for widows of government employees, along with raising the provincial minimum wage to Rs40,000 per month for over 102 categories of workers. The decisions were announced during the 28th provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Punjab Govt Pensions for Widows Now Lifetime – No Opt-In Required
Under the newly approved policy, Punjab govt pensions for widows of deceased civil servants, including those under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), will now continue for life. A previous clause that required NPS employees to opt-in for family pension benefits has been officially removed. As of 27 June 2025, widows are automatically eligible without additional registration.
This update is part of the increased widow pension scheme in Punjab which will see the widows of any state employees receive a consistent pension to cover them until their death.
How to Apply Widow Pension in Punjab – Documents and Process
Even though there is automatic eligibility on cases linked with the NPS, the overall procedure of applying widow pension remains mandatory where a vital set of documentations should be presented through department or the provincial pension office of the employee. These include:
- Spouse’s death certificate
- CNIC of widow
- Service record of the deceased employee
- Bank account details
Official procedural guidelines are expected to be published by the Punjab Relief and Pension Department following the cabinet’s approval.
Widow Pension Rules in Pakistan Explained
As per current widow pension rules in Pakistan, under the Punjab Civil Services Pension Rules, widows of deceased employees are entitled to monthly pensions. These rules have recently been updated to allow full-lifetime benefits rather than time-bound allocations. Federal-level reforms may differ, but the Punjab cabinet’s move ensures full social security coverage for provincial employees’ families.
In addition, Punjab’s social welfare departments continue to offer monthly stipends under the Punjab Widow and Destitute Women Support Program for widows who are not linked to government service and meet income criteria.
Pension for Widow Daughter in Pakistan
The federal Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) offers survivor’s pension to widows and dependent children, including minor daughters of insured workers. If the insured worker contributed for at least 36 months, their widow and children are eligible to receive monthly payments. The pension for widow daughter in Pakistan continues until she reaches adulthood, marries, or as defined by EOBI criteria.
Key Decisions by Punjab Government
- Rs40,000 minimum wage set for 102 categories of workers
- Lifetime pension approved for widows of government employees (including NPS)
- No opt-in requirement for family pension in NPS cases
- Clarification issued on how to apply widow pension in Punjab
- Widow pension rules in Pakistan updated for provincial employees
- Pension for widow daughter in Pakistan available under EOBI regulations
