K-P govt employees protest for pay, perks
Government employees from across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa staged a protest at Assembly Chowk on Monday, demanding a pay raise in line with inflation, a 30 per cent disparity allowance similar to the federal model, and the implementation of a minimum monthly wage of Rs50,000. Protesters blocked Khyber Road for all types of traffic, leading to significant disruptions in the city.
Carrying placards and banners, the demonstrators chanted slogans against the provincial government. They criticized the recent pay and pension increases10 per cent and seven percent respectivelyas insufficient in the face of soaring inflation. The protesters demanded a 30 per cent disparity allowance similar to federal employees, a 50 per cent increase in salaries in line with inflation, a minimum wage of Rs50,000.
They also demanded transition of CP Fund employees to the GP Fund and withdrawal of the recently imposed pension reform laws.
Opposition leader in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Dr Ibadullah, joined the protest and assured the demonstrators that their demands were legitimate. He pledged to raise their concerns on the floor of the provincial assembly and give voice to their grievances in the legislative forum.
The protest caused major traffic jams on GT Road, creating hardships for commuters in the sweltering heat. Attempts at negotiation between the police and protest leaders failed, prompting the deployment of additional police forces. Law enforcement agencies ultimately resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the crowd.
Following the police action, the protesters disbanded, and traffic was gradually restored.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Secretary General Muhammad Humayun Khan strongly condemned the use of tear gas and violence against protesting government employees at the Assembly Chowk, calling the incident deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
He said the PPP denounces the brutal treatment meted out to government workers who were merely demanding a raise in their salaries. "The scenes from Assembly Chowk are painful. Those seeking rightful wage increases should not be treated like enemies," he remarked.
Criticizing the PTI-led provincial government, Humayun Khan said it is incapable of delivering anything beyond exploitation. "Why is the government troubled by demands for fair wages? Even during tough economic times, the PPP increased salaries of public servants," he added.
He further stated that lower-grade employees have fallen below the poverty line and that economic exploitation of government workers will only hinder national progress. "We recognize the protesters' democratic right and stand in solidarity with them," Khan affirmed.
He condemned the use of tear gas and batons, particularly against women protesters, terming it a reprehensible act. "Public servants are not enemies - they are poor Pakistanis asking for their rights. The government's violent response is absolutely intolerable."
Khan called on the provincial government to accept the legitimate demands of the employees and to immediately release those who have been arrested. "Every citizen has the right to peaceful protest. It should never be suppressed through force," he concluded.
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