Anti-Pakistan protest held in Muzaffarabad by govt employees

ANI photo

Muzaffarabad: A protest was held in Muzaffarabad area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Sunday by several government employees working on contract basis demanding clearance of their monthly emoluments. 

As protesting employees alleged that they have not been given their salaries since past many months.

The protesting members, most of whom are employed in health, education and other government sectors in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, have been demanding regularisation of their jobs. 

"One of our colleagues who had not received the salaries for the past 8 months died because of illness. In July 2017, the government assured us to provide regular salaries as it was passed in the assembly. But, we have not received our salaries," Syda Sarvar Abbasi, a woman protester told ANI.

"In Pakistan's all four provinces the workers are getting regular salaries, but here, we have not received our pay for the past 8 months," she added.

Shamim Bibi, another woman protester said, "Whenever we come to protest, they give us 3-4 months' salary. We don't want salaries. We demand regular jobs. We have been doing all sort of work. In July 2017, the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared that our jobs should be made regular and the Government will give our salaries. Now, we will go to Supreme Court of Pakistan, which will decide our fate".

Another protestor raised a question to the authorities the reason for the discrimination they have been facing at the work.

Another protester accused the politicians and said, "They (politicians) have increased their salaries manifold whereas our salaries are very less".

The Pakistani establishment, on number of occasions, have assured to bring development in PoK, however, the corrupt administrative system has made it one of the most backward regions under its rule.

PoK area has a Prime Minister and a President but is ruled from Islamabad. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is the chairman and chief executive of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council that manages all affairs related to PoK.