Peshawar:
Government employees from all over Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa staged a protest at the Chowk Assembly Monday and demanded a pay rise in line with inflation, a 30 percent advance similar to the federal model, and the implementation of a minimum monthly salary of RS50,000. Protesters blocked Khyber Road for all types of traffic, which led to significant disruptions in the city.
Bearing posters and banners rolled the protesters slogans against the provincial government. They criticized the recent increase in wages and pensions – 10 percent and seven percent respectively – as inadequate in light of rising inflation. Protesters demanded an advance of 30 per cent.
They also required the transition of CP Fund -employees to the GP Fund and withdrawal of the newly introduced pension reform laws.
Opposition leader in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly, Dr. Ibadullah, joined the protest and assured the protesters that their demands were legitimate. He promised to raise their concerns on the floor of the provincial assembly and give voice to their complaints in the legislative forum.
The protest caused large traffic jams on GT Road and created difficulties for commuters in the swelling heat. Attempts to negotiate between police and the protest leaders failed, which led to the deployment of additional police forces. Law enforcement authorities ultimately go to tear gas shelling to spread the amount.
After police action, the protesters were dissolved and traffic was gradually restored.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) condemned Secretary -General Muhammad Humayun Khan vigorously the use of tear gas and violence against protesting against government employees at the Assembly Chowk and called the incident deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
He said PPP condemns the brutal treatment that was met to government workers who simply demanded an increase in their wages. “The scenes from the Chowk Assembly are painful. Those who seek rightful wage increases should not be treated as enemies,” he noted.
Humayun Khan, who criticized the PTI-led provincial government, said it is unable to deliver anything beyond the exploitation. “Why is the government concerned about demands for fair wages? Even in harsh economic times, the PPP salaries increased for public employees,” he added.
He also said that lower quality employees have fallen below the poverty line and that financial exploitation of government workers will only prevent national progress. “We recognize the protesters’ democratic right and are in solidarity with them,” Khan confirmed.
He condemned the use of tear gas and batons, especially against female protesters, and called it a reprehensible act. “Public employees are not enemies – they are poor Pakistanis who ask for their rights. The violent response of the government is absolutely intolerable.”
Khan called on the provincial government to accept the legitimate demands of the employees and immediately release those who have been arrested. “Every citizen has the right to peaceful protest. It should never be suppressed through power,” he concluded.
