Pensioners Reject 10% Increase | Public Sector and EOBI Pensioners Protest

The KPK Government recently announced its 2024 budget, which includes a 10% salary increase for private sector workers and the same boost for EOBI pensioners.

However, this decision has upset many public sector employees and pensioners reject 10% increase, feeling that their struggles are being ignored.

Upset on Social Media

People are venting their frustration on social media. Many have noticed that while lawmakers got big raises, the increase for regular workers and pensioners seems small.

For example, the monthly allowances for advisers and ministers went up from Rs 70,000 to Rs 200,000, and the budget for renovations doubled from Rs 500,000 to Rs 1 million.

Public Response

Public sector workers and EOBI pensioners are saying that a 10% increase isn’t enough to help with the rising cost of living. Amjad Ali Tarakai, a leader of Mulgari Ustazan, said that even though some allowances increased, many basic needs are still unmet.

He announced a protest outside the KPK assembly on May 29. Shaukat Ali Anjum, the President of the Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF), also said that daily wage workers should earn at least 50,000 rupees.

Government’s View

In response to the complaints, Chief Minister Ali Ameen Gandapur downplayed concerns about inflation, saying that prices haven’t risen much across Pakistan. He suggested that some workers might be encouraged to oppose the government.

Conclusion

The decision to raise salaries and pensions by only 10%, while giving lawmakers bigger benefits, has caused a lot of anger among public sector employees and EOBI pensioners. Many people feel this decision is unfair and doesn’t address the real economic challenges they face, leading to protests and calls for fairer policies.