LAKKI MARWAT, May 17: The Lakki Marwat chapter of the All Pakistan Clerks Association on Wednesday observed a pen-down strike to put pressure on the government to increase their salaries in the next budget.

Clerks of different departments stopped their work and held a meeting at the district headquarters complex to discuss the problems being faced by the community.

APCA district president Jehangir Khan presided over the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, leaders of the association announced to observe pen-down strike on May 24 and May 31.

They expressed deep concern over skyrocketing prices of items of daily use. They urged the finance ministry to hold a meeting with the APCA leaders and accept their demands. “The government should write off all loans and utility bills charges of government employees belonging to earthquake-hit districts,” they said. They also demanded bonus equivalent to three months salary for employees of these districts.