Protests at Radio Pakistan expose state’s neglect of workers – ThePrint – ANIFeed

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Islamabad (Pakistan) November 19 (ANI): Amid the continued mismanagement and neglect by the Pakistan government was on full display on Monday when a section of Radio Pakistan employees locked the gates of its headquarters in protest, prompting law enforcement agencies were forced to intervene and close down the building.

Tension gripped the area as union members, led by Secretary General Mohammad Ijaz, gathered at the headquarters on Constitutional Avenue, which is strategically located near the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the Islamabad High Court.

The protest escalated after failed negotiations, prompting management to call in the police to control the situation.

Addressing the protesters, Ijaz accused authorities of deploying police to the building to intimidate and arrest employees. Speakers at the protest highlighted the long-standing grievances of Radio Pakistan staff and exposed systemic neglect by the government.

Workers lamented that they had been left out of recent government-wide salary increases — 25 percent last year and 20 percent this year — and pointed out that their arrears, pensions, medical bills and housing benefits had been pending for months. The lack of promotions for more than a year added to their frustration.

Protesters criticized the government for ignoring their plight, depriving them of basic rights as they struggled to make ends meet. “We demand justice for regular workers and pensioners. This neglect has turned Radio Pakistan into a symbol of state apathy,” said one of the union leaders.

As the protest continued, a heavy presence of police, FC and Rangers surrounded the headquarters and blocked access to the Red Zone. Although no violence or shootings were reported, the atmosphere remained charged throughout the day.

The situation at Radio Pakistan is yet another example of the government’s inability to address the concerns of its employees, especially those of the struggling state institutions. Critics argue that this neglect of worker welfare reflects a broader pattern of mismanagement and apathy, further undermining trust in public institutions.

The workers vowed to continue their struggle until their demands for fair wages, promotions and timely payments were met. In doing so, they sent a strong message to a government that seems increasingly out of touch with the needs of its people. (ANI)

This report is automatically generated by the ANI news service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.