HYDERABAD: The All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) Sindh has called for an immediate 200% increase in government employees’ salaries and a revision of outdated allowances, warning that millions of workers will take to the streets if the upcoming budget fails to provide relief.
APCA Sindh Provincial President Maqbool Hussain Mahar said employees are “crushed under the fire of inflation” while their pay and allowances remain frozen at rates set 10 to 18 years ago. He described annual salary hikes as “a mockery” that has made employees’ lives a joke.
Mahar cited official figures showing petrol prices surged 59% in a year, from Rs. 258 per liter in June 2025 to Rs. 409 now, with medicine prices up 200% and food items nearly 100%. Yet Grade 16 employees still receive Rs. 2,727 for house rent and Rs. 1,500 for medical allowance based on 2008 rates.
“Can any economist tell me where a house can be rented for Rs. 2,727 in this inflation?” Mahar asked. “A doctor charges Rs. 1,000 just for a check-up.”
He added that government employees are Pakistan’s largest taxpayers, contributing Rs. 365 billion in income tax in the first eight months of 2026, but receive fewer benefits than other groups. Mahar also criticized the Sindh government for withholding group insurance and benevolent fund dues to retirees, while parliamentarians and ministers received 700-800% salary hikes and free utilities.
After nationwide protests, employees were granted only a 10% raise, from which up to 20% is deducted as income tax, he said. Many retire in the same grade they were hired in due to stalled promotions.
APCA Sindh demanded a 200% salary increase, immediate revision of allowances, payment of pending dues to retirees, and promotions for long-stagnant employees. “If the government does not accept the legitimate demands of employees, millions will once again take to the streets to fight for their rights,” Mahar warned.
