MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Lady health workers in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) protested at Azadi Chowk against pension reforms and cuts, demanding the government revoke policies they deem unfair and discriminatory.
The Allied Health Organisation of Azad Jammu and Kashmir organised a protest at Azadi Chowk, where a large number of lady health workers gathered to voice their demands. The protesters chanted slogans against the government, voicing their anger over pension cuts and proposed pension reforms.
Health department employees, including female health workers, paraded along the main highway before reaching Azadi Chowk, where they staged their protest. Holding placards and banners, the protesters denounced the government’s policies, calling them unfair and biased.
Addressing the gathering, speakers stressed that Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a separate administrative unit and should not be restrained by the limitations imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The IMF neither supplies us with loans nor do we fall under its regulatory framework,” one of the speakers commented.
The protesters argued that government employees rely completely on their pensions after retirement, and robbing them of this financial security is unacceptable. They criticised the government for enforcing policies that negatively impact employees while lawmakers continue to increase their pensions and privileges. “While assembly members are increasing their pensions and benefits by 300 per cent, the government is implementing an entirely different standard for public employees,” a protester stated.
Chanting “One state, two laws—unacceptable,” the demonstrators demanded that the government withdraw any policies that reduce or restructure pensions at the cost of employees’ financial security. The protesters cautioned that if their demands were not met, they would escalate their campaign, holding larger protests across the region.
The protest at Azadi Chowk emphasised growing discontent among health workers and government employees, who believe that the current policies are driving them towards economic tribulations. As tensions rise, the demonstrators have demanded the authorities to reconsider their decisions and ensure that pensions remain protected for all government employees.
