ISLAMABAD: The federal government employees took to the streets of the federal capital to protest against the recently introduced pension reforms.
A large police contingent was deployed to Secretariat Chowk after protesters shut down both gates of the government secretariat, causing disruptions in the area. Clashes broke out between the police and demonstrators as the protest intensified.
Senior police officials, including the DIG and SP, led a significant number of officers to manage the situation.
The protesting employees demanded the immediate withdrawal of the controversial pension reforms, which were implemented by the government starting January 1, 2025. They also called for an end to discriminatory policies and a 10% increase in disability allowances.
Pension Reforms Overview
The government’s pension reforms, effective from January 1, 2025, introduced several significant changes to address growing fiscal challenges. Key measures include:
- Ban on dual pensions: Individuals can no longer receive multiple pensions simultaneously.
- Revised pension calculations: Future pension increases will now be based on the average salary of the last two years of service, instead of the last drawn salary.
These reforms aim to reduce the government’s financial liabilities, save billions annually, and align the pension system with international fiscal standards.
However, the reforms have sparked widespread discontent among public sector employees.
