From Advocacy to Action: Punjab Enacts the Senior Citizens Welfare Act 2026
The Punjab Assembly has enacted the Senior Citizens Welfare Act, 2026, marking a significant step towards strengthening the protection, dignity, and wellbeing of older people in the province.
This important milestone reflects years of sustained advocacy and engagement led by the Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development (FAID) to ensure that the rights, welfare, and inclusion of older people are recognised within Pakistan’s policy and development landscape.
FAID supported the advancement of this legislation through the BMZ-supported project “Strengthening the Legal Framework and Civil Society for an Inclusive Pakistan,” implemented in partnership with HelpAge Germany. Through this initiative, FAID worked closely with the Government of Punjab and other stakeholders to move forward the long-awaited legislation for older people in the province.
As part of this process, FAID supported the formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) under the leadership of the Social Welfare Department Punjab. The TWG brought together representatives from relevant government departments, civil society organisations, academia, and media to review and strengthen the draft legislation.
Between 2023 and 2025, the TWG held a series of consultations to discuss key provisions of the proposed bill and refine its framework to better address the needs, rights, and wellbeing of older people in Punjab.
The Law Department Punjab played an important role in shaping the draft and ensuring that the legislative process remained active. Their technical input contributed to strengthening the bill and developing it into a more comprehensive and implementable legal framework.
Throughout this journey, FAID maintained continuous coordination and follow-up with government institutions and stakeholders, ensuring that the momentum towards legislation remained strong. The organisation also mobilised civil society through the Buzurg Dost Network Punjab, strengthening collective advocacy for the rights and well-being of older people.
In addition, FAID engaged with political leaders and parties across the province to raise awareness and build support for the legislation.
This progress forms part of a three-year BMZ-supported initiative that worked with governments in both Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). While the project supported the implementation of the Senior Citizens Act in ICT, it also played an important role in supporting the drafting and advancement of the Senior Citizens Welfare Bill in Punjab.
With the enactment of the Senior Citizens Welfare Act, 2026, Punjab now has a strengthened legal framework aimed at promoting the protection, participation, and wellbeing of older people.
FAID warmly congratulates the Government of Punjab, provincial departments, civil society partners, and the Buzurg Dost Networks whose collaboration and commitment made this important milestone possible.
The next step now lies in ensuring effective implementation so that older people across Punjab can live with dignity, protection, and inclusion.
11-Act No. XI of 2026 (Punjab Senior Citizen Welfare Act 2026)
