Govt yet to decide on 35% raise in salaries

Economic crisis in the province makes matters difficult

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) finance department and the caretaker government have failed to reach a consensus over 30 to 35 per cent salary raise for the government employees as the province is faced with a severe economic crisis.

Official sources told The Express Tribune that the finance department has been with the opinion that a 15 to 20 per cent increase in salaries would be logical in the current situation but the final decision would be taken by the caretaker cabinet and official would brief the caretaker chief minister in this regard.

The provincial government has already hinted that the grade 1 to 16 employees could get 35 per cent raise on the pattern of the federal government employees while the rest could be given 30 per cent increase.

“Consultation between the finance department and government is underway but the finance department has made it clear that under the current circumstances 15 to 20 per cent increase is realistic while the provincial government is more inclined to follow in the footsteps of the federal government,” said an official, adding that the matter is still pending and the caretaker chief minister would be briefed in this regard today (Sunday).

“He will also be briefed about the annual development program (ADP) and after his approval the budget will be given a final touch,” added the official.

The caretaker cabinet is likely to hold its meeting on 20th in which the salaries and other issues related to budget would be approved.

A 17.5 per cent increase in the pensions of the retired employees is also proposed.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2023.