ISLAMABAD: A day before the announcement of the federal budget, thousands of federal government employees forcefully shut down the entry gates of Pakistan Secretariat on Thursday to press their demands for raise in salary and pensions.

The secretariat houses all important ministries and divisions. The employees and their representatives decided to hold the protest knowing that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar would be at the Planning Commission auditorium for the launch of the Pakistan Economic Survey.

The representatives of government employees misbehaved with visitors to the Secretariat. The employees also did not allow media representatives to enter the premises to cover the press conference of the finance minister.

Women entering and leaving the Pakistan Secretariat faced difficulties and were stuck at the gates. The representatives of the employees were not prepared to open the gates unless their demands were met.

Police were deputed to control any untoward situation, however, the police found itself helpless in opening the gates. The protesters also attempted to enter the Planning Commission where Mr Dar was present, but the police locked the gates of the building.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2023