Sanghar — Like several other districts across Sindh, the employees of the Sindh Employees Association in Sanghar staged a strong protest demonstration and sit-in outside the Sanghar Press Club. The protest was organized to demand reversal of the provincial government’s decision to cut pensions, the release of group insurance payments, and the provision of other employee benefits. The association warned that if their demands are not met soon, they will expand their protest and march toward Bilawal House in Karachi, where they intend to stage a large-scale demonstration on October 6.
Widespread Participation in the Protest
The demonstration drew a sizable number of government employees, both men and women, representing various departments. Among those leading the protest were Central Chairman Ashraf Khaskheli, Rafique Mansoori, Qurban Khaskheli, Rafique Nizamani, Younis Siddiqui, Sher Muhammad Nizamani, and Khan Muhammad Nizamani. They delivered passionate speeches, criticizing the Sindh government for what they described as discriminatory policies against its own workforce.
The leaders pointed out that employees have long served the government faithfully, even sacrificing their lives in the line of duty, yet their rightful benefits continue to be denied. “Today, all government employees, men and women alike, are forced to come out onto the streets because the government has deprived us of our legitimate rights,” said one of the speakers.
Allegations of Double Standards
The protest leaders compared Sindh with other provinces, particularly Punjab, where government employees reportedly receive full pensions and comprehensive benefits. They alleged that the Sindh government was following a “double standard,” offering symbolic promises while failing to implement real reforms for its workforce.
“The government is only handing out lollipops to the employees,” remarked one of the protesters. “It is not prepared to seriously listen to our genuine demands. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the pension cut decision and the release of group insurance amounts without delay.”
They also noted that while Punjab and other provinces allocate sufficient funds for employees’ welfare, Sindh’s government has consistently ignored similar obligations.
Impact on Public Services
During the sit-in, speakers highlighted that as a result of their protest campaign, public sector departments such as schools, colleges, the education department, and the health department were facing partial lockdowns. They made it clear that if the government continued to ignore their concerns, employees would escalate their actions further, potentially bringing routine governance in Sindh to a standstill.
The demonstrators insisted that the provincial government could not expect state employees to continue working effectively while depriving them of retirement security and insurance benefits. “It is unjust to deny us pensions that we have earned through decades of service. Without these, many retired employees face economic hardship and uncertainty,” they stressed.
Employees’ Sacrifices Highlighted
The protest leaders reminded the authorities of the sacrifices made by civil servants over the years, particularly during emergencies, health crises, natural disasters, and law and order operations. “Our colleagues have lost their lives serving the public, yet their families are left without adequate financial support,” they said. This, they argued, is proof of the government’s indifference toward those who have devoted their lives to public service.
Warning of a Larger Movement
The Sindh Employees Association issued a strong warning that their patience is running out. They announced that if their demands are not addressed, they will organize a larger, province-wide protest in Karachi on October 6, staging a sit-in in front of Bilawal House, the residence of the PPP Chairman.
The employees declared that this protest would not end until their grievances were resolved. “We will sit outside Bilawal House as long as it takes — whether days or weeks — until our demands are accepted,” one leader affirmed.
Core Demands
The key demands raised by the protesters included:
- Immediate withdrawal of pension cuts — The association insisted that any decision to reduce pensions is unacceptable and must be reversed to protect the dignity of retired employees.
- Release of group insurance funds — Employees demanded that the amounts due under group insurance be paid without delay to retired and serving employees.
- Equal treatment across provinces — Protesters argued that employees in Sindh deserve the same facilities and entitlements as their counterparts in Punjab and other provinces.
- Dialogue with employee representatives — The leaders called for the provincial government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Sindh Employees Association rather than unilateral decision-making.
Broader Implications
Observers note that the protests highlight a growing sense of frustration among government employees in Sindh. As economic pressures increase due to inflation and reduced job security, employees view the cuts in pensions and delay in insurance payments as a direct assault on their livelihoods. Analysts warn that prolonged strikes and departmental lockdowns could create serious disruptions in the province’s education and health sectors.
Political analysts also believe the situation could place the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) under significant pressure, especially as protests threaten to directly target Bilawal House. Such demonstrations could impact the party’s image and popularity in the province if not handled sensitively.
Conclusion
The sit-in outside the Sanghar Press Club reflects the depth of resentment brewing among government employees across Sindh. With employees determined to march toward Bilawal House on October 6, the provincial government faces an urgent choice: either resolve the issue through dialogue and policy corrections or risk a confrontation that could paralyze essential services and create political instability.
For now, the employees remain defiant, continuing their protests and vowing not to stand down until their demands for pensions, insurance, and equality are fully met.
