Salary Delays Create Tension Ahead of Eid
As Eid approaches, a significant number of employees at three government hospitals in Rawalpindi are facing unpaid salaries, raising concerns about their financial stability during the festive season. A total of 255 employees, including 115 regular staff at Holy Family Hospital, 85 daily-wage workers at Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, and 55 daily-wage employees at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, have not received their salaries.
The situation has escalated as employees received only 22 days’ salary after an eight-day deduction last month. This has led to mounting frustration among the staff, who are now demanding the immediate payment of their full salaries, including arrears. They have warned that failure to meet their demands may result in work stoppages and further protests.
Compounding the issue, the hospitals reportedly do not have a dedicated budget for staff salaries, which has contributed to the ongoing delays. The lack of financial resources has raised serious concerns among the healthcare workers, who are essential to the functioning of these institutions.
In contrast to the challenges faced by hospital employees, retailers across Pakistan are preparing for Eid by offering significant discounts on clothing, accessories, and cosmetics. This juxtaposition highlights the disparity between the festive spirit of the season and the struggles faced by those in the healthcare sector.
Additionally, a makeshift market at Baradari has been established, featuring over 350 stalls to support vendors affected by the recent Gul Plaza tragedy. Abdul Rahman, a vendor, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I wished I had a shop ever since we lost Gul Plaza but I could no longer afford one. I thank God that this chance came up.”
Items on sale at the makeshift market are reportedly cheaper than those at Gul Plaza, as stall rent is waived by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab. This initiative aims to provide some relief to vendors during a challenging time.
As the situation develops, the uncertainty surrounding the payment of salaries to hospital staff continues to loom large. Employees remain hopeful for a resolution, but details remain unconfirmed regarding when they might receive their overdue wages.