PESHAWAR: Lady health workers (LHWs) staged a sit-in outside the provincial assembly here on Monday against the non-payment of their salaries for the past 11 months. The demonstration took place at the Assembly Chowk, where protesters blocked the Khyber Road, leading to long queues of vehicles.

A large number of LHWs and other health staff participated, saying that repeated promises by the provisional government to release their salaries have not been fulfilled.

The demonstrators said they were left with no option but to take to the streets. Women from Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Malakand, Swat and Swabi joined the protest.

They demanded immediate payment of pending salaries, introduction of a proper service structure, and implementation of court orders regarding their promotions.

A heavy police presence was deployed at the site to maintain order, but the protesters continued chanting slogans and refused to disperse.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026