BATTAGRAM: Public sector employees condemned here the other day the provincial government’s excessive use of force against the peaceful protesters, who were demonstrating in Peshawar against the proposed pension abolition by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government.

The protesters, who were largely unarmed and peaceful, were met with unwarranted brutality, including baton charge and tear gas.

Javed Iqbal, media coordinator for the secondary school teachers’ association, criticised the PTI government’s actions, stating that it had historically targeted its employees, attempting to revoke their hard-earned perks and privileges.

He argued that the government should have resolved the issue through negotiations and dialogue instead of resorting to force.

Iqbal emphasised that the protesters were peacefully safeguarding their pension rights, but the government’s response was unjust and undefendable.

He claimed that since the PTI government came into power in 2013, it had consistently targeted government employees, attempting to ‘snatch away’ their perks and privileges. He argued that the government had done nothing positive for its employees, and its actions were a clear indication of its priorities.

Hashim Ali Khan, president of All Government Employees Grand Alliance, Battagram chapter, echoed government employees’ sentiments, stating that the move to abolish pensions was cruel and unjust.

He emphasised that pensions were the primary incentive for government employees, who spent their entire careers serving the government with dedication and commitment.

Khan pointed out that the government’s decision would leave employees with nothing to rely on in their retirement, rendering them vulnerable and insecure.

He also criticised the government for not being sincere about minimising expenses, instead choosing to maximise salaries and privileges of its functionaries.

He demanded that the government reconsider its decision to abolish pensions and instead focus on reducing its own expenses, which are a significant drain on the national resources.

Khan argued that the government’s actions seemed to favour the interests of the ruling elite over those of the ordinary citizens.

PATIENT’S DEATH: Death of an elderly patient at the District Headquarters Hospital sparked a protest by his family members and local residents.

According to reports, the patient was shifted from medical ward to the emergency department for treatment, where a catheter bag was inserted. Unfortunately, the patient passed away, and when the family requested the on-duty doctor to remove the catheter bag, they were informed that the doctor was not present at the hospital.

Umer, the patient’s attendant, said that the patient was initially admitted to medical ward but was later shifted to emergency department due to his deteriorating condition. “Despite our requests after his death, the hospital staff refused to remove the catheter bag, claiming it was not their responsibility,” he alleged.

Dr Rahim, deputy medical superintendent, told Dawn that an inquiry committee had been formed to investigate the matter.

“If the doctor is found guilty, departmental action will be taken against him.”

A copy of the notification constituting the inquiry committee was shared with Dawn, stating that the body had been tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report within three days.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2025