Government employees stage massive protest demanding pay raise in budget

By Nasima Khan
ISLAMABAD: In an unprecedented show of unity and determination, thousands of government employees, led by teachers from various colleges, gathered in front of the Pak Secretariat today to stage a protest demanding a significant increase in their salaries and allowances in the upcoming federal budget. Organized by the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) and supported by the Federal Government College Teachers Association (FGCTA), the protest aimed to draw attention to the deteriorating financial conditions faced by government servants due to inflation and stagnant wages.
Braving scorching temperatures, the protesters raised their voices through slogans and held up placards that outlined their grievances. Their primary demand was a 100 percent raise in salaries, highlighting the alarming decline in the purchasing power of their income over the years. As the government prepares to announce the federal budget tomorrow, the employees hoped to influence the budgetary process and secure fair compensation for their services.
Dr. Rahima Rehman, the president of FGCTA and a prominent leader among teachers, highlighted the pressing issues faced by government employees. “The value of money has deteriorated significantly due to persistent inflation over the years. The purchasing power has decreased substantially, and employees are struggling and burdened with debt,” Dr. Rehman said. “The government must step forward and address their sufferings. A 100 percent increase in salaries is a legitimate demand that should be fulfilled.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Jabir Hussain, the press secretary of FGCTA, criticized the lack of adjustments in frozen allowances, conveyance allowances, and house rent allowances. He emphasized the burden faced by employees due to skyrocketing fuel prices and the rising costs of essential daily commodities. “While petrol prices have surged since 2012, employees in BPS-16 and above still receive a mere Rs 5000 per month as conveyance allowance. This needs to be revised to align with current petrol prices,” Dr. Hussain stated. He further emphasized the need for an increase in the House Rent Allowance, which has remained stagnant since 2018, despite significant rises in rental rates.
Professor Farhan Azam, the senior vice president of FGCTA, drew attention to the alarming salary disparities among government servants. He highlighted the executive allowances and special perks enjoyed by officers of Ministries and Divisions, contrasting them with the absence of such benefits for employees in attached departments. Professor Azam also pointed out the stark contrast in judicial allowances received by Supreme Court employees compared to other government employees. He demanded equal pay for all government servants, stressing the need to eliminate discrimination.
The protesters urged the government to promptly address their demands, recognizing the importance of fair compensation to cope with the rising cost of living. They emphasized that ensuring equitable treatment of all government employees was crucial for maintaining a motivated and dedicated workforce.
As the nation awaits the unveiling of the federal budget, the government now faces the crucial task of addressing the legitimate concerns of its employees and ensuring that their financial burdens are alleviated. The outcome of this protest will undoubtedly shape the future of government employee compensation and the overall satisfaction of the workforce.