Ad-Hoc Government Employees in PoJK Protest Over Salary and Job Security

Ad-hoc employees in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir protested at Muzaffrabad's Central Press Club, citing non-payment of salaries and lack of job security. Protesters, some serving over 30 years, voiced concerns about their families' hardship and called for governmental action.

Muzaffrabad, PoJK — This week, ad-hoc employees from various government departments gathered in front of the Central Press Club to protest against the non-payment of salaries and the absence of permanent job contracts. Demonstrators expressed deep concerns for their families, who are suffering due to the ongoing financial instability.

One protester declared, 'The government is forcing the employees to die of starvation by taking away their jobs.' Maqsood Ahmed Abbasi, among the 270 ad-hoc professors, stated, 'I have dedicated over 17 years, and my colleagues have similarly devoted between 10 and 30 years of service. We only demand the benefits that we deserve for our years of hard work.'

Another demonstrator, Raja Akhter Ali Khan, highlighted that despite raising these issues with successive governments since 1991, no concrete action has been taken. 'Many are now retired yet still await their rightful compensation. It's perplexing why the government has not resolved the plight of these long-serving employees,' he lamented. The struggle of ad-hoc workers in PoJK continues as job insecurity and wage disparity remain pressing concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)