RAWALPINDI: Government offices in Rawalpindi were brought to a halt on Thursday as clerical staff launched a province-wide strike against recent changes to pension and allowance policies introduced by the Punjab government.
The All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) called the protest, condemning the amendments to pension rules, leave encashment policies, and the abolition of Rule 17-A.
Employees also demanded increases in house rent, conveyance, and medical allowances, citing inflation and rising living costs.
Major demonstrations were held in multiple cities, with large gatherings outside the Department of Education and Public Works Department in Rawalpindi.
Key APCA leaders, including Shehzad Manzoor Kayani, Chaudhry Mubashar, Mirza Tauqeer, Raja Shahid, Raja Aftab, and Saqib Adnan, led the protests.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, demonstrators blocked Murree Road, paralyzing traffic and disrupting access to government services for nearly 10 hours.
Offices across the district remained locked, suspending daily operations as protesters continued their sit-ins throughout the day.
