A strong wave of protest has emerged as government employees held a rally, demanding major financial relief amid rising inflation.
A large protest demonstration was staged outside the Rawalpindi Press Club by the All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA), drawing a significant number of government employees from different departments. Protesters raised slogans and demanded an immediate 100% salary increase, citing the unbearable impact of current inflation on their livelihoods.
In addition to salary hikes, demonstrators called for a proportional increase in conveyance, medical, and house rent allowances, emphasising that existing benefits are no longer sufficient to meet basic needs. Participants warned that if their demands are not met promptly, the protest could escalate into a wider movement across the country.
There was a demand for an immediate 100 per cent increase in employees’ salaries. It was also demanded that conveyance, medical, and house rent allowances be increased in proportion to current inflation.
The protesters chanted slogans against rising inflation and the recent increase in petroleum prices. Addressing the gathering, APCA leader Chaudhry Bashir Ahmed said that inflation has made it extremely difficult for employees to meet their daily needs, and therefore, salaries should be doubled immediately.
In addition, the employees demanded that conveyance, medical, and house rent allowances be revised in line with inflation. APCA leader Chaudhry Riaz, in his speech, said the Punjab government is working to address employees’ long-standing demands.
He also expressed concerns about pension reforms, stating that employees’ rights should not be compromised abruptly. APCA urged the Punjab government to initiate negotiations immediately and provide relief to employees by accepting their legitimate demands.
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