LAHORE, June 5: The working class has rejected the budget saying it includes nothing concrete for them. “Too little has been announced too late for us,” commented Rafiq, a labourer associated with the construction industry.

Rejecting Rs1,000 raise in the minimum wages, he said the ceiling should be at least Rs8,000 as in this era of inflation Rs4,000 per month salary was too meagre.

About provision of lentils at subsidised rates, he said the government had earlier announced subsidy on sugar but getting the commodity after standing in long queues at Utility Stores was a tough job. Moreover, for getting a kilo of sugar, one had to purchase a certain quantity of other items too, which were often of poor quality, he said.

Labour Party secretary-general Farooq Tariq termed the increase in pension a cosmetic measure, which, he said, was insufficient and would change nothing for the retired government employees.

Fifteen per cent dearness allowance, he said, was not proportionate to the prevailing price-hike and demanded at least 50 per cent raise in the basic salary.