Karachi: A special Paye Brunch gathering was organized by the Telecom Pioneer Forum, representing PTCL pensioners, where numerous serving and retired employees of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) from Karachi participated. The event was held in line with tradition and focused on addressing grievances regarding pension deductions.

According to a press release from Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, the speakers at the event expressed strong dissatisfaction with the PTCL management and the PTET Board due to alleged illegal deductions in pensions. They voiced their frustration over the lack of response to their appeals to various government officials and made a direct appeal to Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, to intervene and address the ongoing issues faced by PTCL pensioners.

The attendees raised concerns about the PTCL management and PTET Board's actions, which they claim contravene a Supreme Court decision from July 2025 that prohibits such deductions. Despite this ruling, pensioners continue to face reductions in their pensions. The speakers also highlighted the failure of PTCL and PTET Board to implement court decisions and Senate recommendations, while pointing out unresolved issues such as deductions in widows' pensions and non-payment of commutation amounts.

The event served as a platform for pensioners to express their ongoing struggle over the past decade and a half to secure their rights, a struggle that has taken a toll both mentally and physically. Many pensioners have passed away awaiting the resolution of these issues. The gathering aimed to reinforce connections among former colleagues and collectively advocate for their rights. Participants included notable figures such as Imtiaz Zaidi, Kamran Mahmood, and Masood Bhatti.