Leaders of the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) Punjab expressed concerns over the impact of high inflation in Pakistan on government employees, affecting their ability to manage household expenses with limited incomes. The AGEGA leaders highlighted that the promised 30 per cent disparity allowance from the Federal Budget 2025-26 has not been disbursed to provincial government employees, particularly in Punjab. They also criticized recent changes in leave encashment rules by the Punjab government, which have led to reduced retirement benefits for employees.
The AGEGA alleged that both retired and current government employees in Punjab are experiencing cuts in pension, gratuity, and leave encashment benefits. They have called upon Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to introduce measures in the upcoming Federal Budget 2026-27 to address the concerns of government employees. The alliance is advocating for the extension of the 30 per cent disparity allowance to all provinces, an additional 15 per cent increment, and the reversal of pension reforms, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Furthermore, the AGEGA is demanding the consolidation of all ad hoc relief allowances into the basic pay scale, a comprehensive review of pay structures, a minimum 50 per cent increase in salaries and pensions to match current inflation rates, and a fivefold raise in house rent, medical, and conveyance allowances. In a related development, the Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan strongly criticized the recent surge in petroleum prices in the country, labeling it as a direct blow to the public’s welfare.
The HRC condemned the government’s decision to raise petrol and high-speed diesel prices, emphasizing the adverse impact on the daily lives of millions of citizens, especially those already struggling with inflation, unemployment, and low incomes. The council highlighted the ripple effect of fuel price hikes on essential commodities, affecting various segments of society such as rickshaw drivers, laborers, students, and the middle class. Urging authorities to reverse the price hikes, the HRC called for immediate relief measures for the public and emphasized the need to address economic disparities and privileges enjoyed by the elite class.
