LOWER DIR: Government employees on Tuesday observed a pen-down strike and staged a rally to push for the restoration of the old pension system and a hefty increase in their salaries in keeping with the prevailing inflation.

The call for the strike was given by the All-Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA)

The protesters marched from the Education Complex to Shaheed Chowk, carrying banners and placards bearing slogans in support of their demands.

Addressing the protesters, AGEGA leaders demanded the extension of the 30 per cent disparity reduction allowance to provincial employees on the pattern of the federal government workers.

They also called for the immediate implementation of the decision on the upgradation of employees and the increase in the house rent, medical, and conveyance allowances to Rs20,000.

The speakers also demanded the regularisation of Class-IV employees, restoration of the employees’ son quota in jobs, payment of withheld salaries to lady health workers and provision of utility allowance for all employees.

The AGEGA leaders warned of observing another strike on May 20 if the government failed to accept their demands.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026