20pc increase in salaries demanded

LAHORE:General Secretary of the All Pakistan Federation of Trade Unions, Khurshid Ahmad, has demanded the Prime Minister announce a 20pc increase in the salaries and pensions of government, semi-government, private sector, banking, media, press, industry, and trade employees in light of the alarming rise in the cost of living and prices of essential commodities, including education.

Addressing a press conference, Khurshid Ahmad criticised the government’s decision to enhance the salaries and perks of the Speaker National Assembly, Chairman Senate, federal and provincial ministers, and members of the national and provincial assemblies and Senate, while ignoring the plight of the working class. He demanded the removal of restrictions on receiving pensions beyond 10 years, stating that with rising inflation and growing unemployment, workers and retirees are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their families. The federation called for immediate attention to workers’ financial hardships and urged the government to ensure fair and just relief for all employees across sectors.