With the budget presentation drawing near, there are speculations about potential salary increases for government employees in Pakistan. It has been proposed that an increase of 5% to 15% may be implemented, depending on approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Additionally, ad hoc allowances are expected to increase from 5% to 10% for employees up to BS 19.
For government officers working in scale BS 20-22, a raise of 10% to 15% has been recommended, but the final decision will be based on the IMF’s approval. Pension is also expected to increase by 5% to 10%.
The increase in basic commodities like petrol and cooking oil prices before the budget has left salaried people struggling to cope with the effects of inflation. Conveyance allowances have not been increased for the past 10 years, while petrol and fuel prices have increased by a factor of 1000, leading to speculation that the government may make deductions from government employees’ salaries to tackle the inflation rate in the country.
It is important to note that these are just speculations, and the final decision will be announced in the upcoming budget presentation. The government is facing the challenge of balancing the needs of the public with the economic constraints of the country. Nonetheless, if the proposed salary increases are approved, it will provide relief to the salaried class and aid in boosting the economy.
