Federal government employees organised a protest in front of the Secretariat in Islamabad on Monday, demanding an increase in allowances, pensions and salaries.

Protestors announced they would stage a sit-in in front of the Parliament House if their demands were not met. “If our demands are met, we will turn the protest in to a day of gratitude (youm-e-tashakkur),“the protesters said.

The protest was organised by the All Government Employees Grand Alliance. Their main demand is that employees working in grades 1-16 should be upgraded like theri provincial counterparts.

The upgradation demands include a 100% increase in house rent, medical and conveyance allowance and an increase in pensions in line with the rising inflation.

Protestors also demanded that all ad-hoc and contract employees should be made permanent.

On the other hand, Islamabad Police issued a statement saying that no protests are allowed in the Red Zone. “Protest is a right of every citizen, but no one will be allowed to block roads.”

Police also said anyone involved in violent activities will be dealt with an ‘iron hand’.