Through the Readers Column of your newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of Prime Minister and his Finance Advisor to the plight of old pensioners, especially those who retired prior to the revision of the national pay scales in 2001. They are the ones deemed as the 'old pensioners'. The imposition of revised pay scales resulted in substantial increase in their basic pay. The PPP-led coalition government announced relief for the pensioners at the rate of 15%. But it is strange to note that no discrimination has been made between the old and the new pensioners. Now, the new pensioners are drawing huge amounts like Rs.16, 000 to 20, 000 P.M while the old ones are simply drawing Rs.4000 to Rs. 8000/- P.M. Credit must be given to the previous regime that categorized pensioners into two categories which was just and equitable. The old pensioners benefited much from that categorization. Keeping in view the plight and ordeal of the old pensioners, I appeal to the Prime Minister and his Advisor on Finance that either the rate of increase may be suitably enhanced or 15% increase may be allowed on the commuted portion of their old pension for those who retired preceding the calendar year 2001. - MUHAMMAD SAEED, Gujranwala, June 18.