LAHORE, May 11: International Chicago Labour Confederation chairman Dr Azam Arain has said a 100 per cent increase is required in salaries and pensions in view of increase in the cost of living.

At a pre-budget seminar organised by the federation here on Thursday, he said the existing salaries and pensions were not enough for meeting more than 15 days’ requirements owing to unprecedented increase in prices of essential commodities.

Punjab Teachers Union secretary-general Haider said the government should either control the prices or link the pay and allowances to the price index. He said a PTC teacher required to be paid Rs18,000 per month in view of the high cost of living.

Mian Khalid of the Railway Workers Union said the workers should be provided financial assistance from Zakat fund to enable them to make the both ends meet.

Pakistan People’s Party leader Sajida Mir said the government had not only failed to control the prices, but also to maintain law and order.