Muzaffarabad, the heart of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), witnessed a powerful demonstration as a group of women employees rallied against the government's failure to pay their salaries under the 'Kamyab Khwateen Programme.' Frustration filled the air as one employee questioned the authorities' ability to allocate crores of rupees to Imran Khan while neglecting their meager salary of just Rs. 13,000. Promised remuneration during Ramzan turned out to be empty words, prompting the women to take to the streets and assert their rights.
Amid the crowd, another woman employee shared her dismay over the unpaid wages, blaming the teachers for forcibly shutting down the industry and callously ignoring their plight. She urged the authorities to rectify the situation promptly by ensuring timely salary payments.
Voices grew louder as a third woman expressed her disappointment, highlighting the dedication they had poured into their work, including handicrafts and stitching. The teachers' aggressive response, locking them out and issuing threats, only fueled their determination. With 226 workers affected and their attendance meticulously recorded, they called on the government to step in and fulfill its responsibility of providing rightful payment.
This protest follows an earlier demonstration in April, where retired government employees from Muzaffarabad took to the streets demanding increased pension and medical allowances. The relentless impact of inflation had left them struggling to meet their daily needs, prompting a plea for urgent financial relief. Their unified message, echoed through chants of "Sadda Haq aethe rakh" (Keep our Rights Here), called for immediate attention to their demands. Additionally, they emphasized the need for comprehensive healthcare coverage, pointing out that 16 diseases are treated for free in Pakistan and urging PoK to adopt a similar approach.
As discontent continues to mount among marginalized groups in PoK, these protests serve as a stark reminder that addressing the concerns and welfare of the people should be a top priority for the authorities. The voices of these women and retired employees should not be ignored but rather heard, acknowledged, and met with concrete actions to alleviate their financial burdens and secure a better future for all residents of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
