IN the budget announced recently the finance minister has been pleased to announce 20 per cent ad hoc relief on the running basic salary for government employees. This is a good sign for poor employees who have to bear the price hike of essential commodities.

It may be mentioned here that a large number of employees of private banks, DFIs, and other organisations/institutions have not received any such relief or raise in their salary for a long time.

The finance minister should look into the mater and advice the regulatory authorities concerned, such as the SBP, to pass necessary instructions for implementing such benefits in all banks under control of the central bank.

Similarly, the central bank should make a policy to provide hospitalisation facilities to parents of employees.

NISAR AHMED Karachi