Shahzad Naveed
MINGORA: Grade-IV employees from Malakand Division have given the provincial government a deadline until Eid-ul-Fitr to accept their long-standing demands, warning that they will stage a protest sit-in outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly if their issues are not resolved.
The announcement was made by Syed Khitab, Divisional President of All Grade-IV Employees Swat and Malakand Division, during a press conference at Swat Press Club. Several office-bearers from Swat, Buner, Shangla, and the Health Department were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to reporters, Syed Khitab said that the Supreme Court in 2024 decided to abolish the quota allocated for family members of government employees who die during service or are medically retired. He termed the decision unjust, saying that in cases of death or serious illness, government employment often serves as the only source of support for the affected family. He demanded a review of the decision.
He further said that Grade-IV employees were previously given jobs in exchange for providing valuable land for schools. However, after the abolition of the 25 percent quota, many such employees have been deprived of both their land and employment. He called on the government to restore the quota for employees who die during service, are retired on medical grounds, or retire at the age of 60.
Syed Khitab also expressed concern over the privatization of educational institutions, stating that it would affect free education and those employees who provided free land for schools. He demanded that the privatization decision be withdrawn.
Among other demands, he called for the provision of a health professional allowance for lower-grade employees, upgradation of Grade-IV posts, and immediate filling of vacant watchman positions in government schools in Swat. He also alleged that District Education Officers (DEOs) in Swat had deprived local people of their rights and demanded action against them.
He urged the government to increase salaries and allowances in line with inflation and requested a meeting with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to discuss the employees’ concerns. He warned that if their demands are not addressed by Eidul Fitr, employees will be left with no option but to launch a protest.
