Quetta, Jan 13 (NationPress) In a significant display of discontent, government employees in Balochistan, Pakistan, have taken to the streets, demanding the prompt execution of the Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA). These protests have resulted in extensive road blockages and numerous arrests, as reported by local media.

For the past seven months, workers from diverse government sectors have rallied for a 30 percent DRA, mirroring allowances already granted in Punjab and Sindh provinces.

The protests are organized by the Balochistan Grand Alliance (BGA), which asserts that employees in institutions such as the Governor's House, Chief Minister's Secretariat, and High Court are receiving higher salaries despite being in the same grade as their counterparts in other departments, according to The Balochistan Post.

The BGA has highlighted the pressing need to rectify this salary inequality, pointing out that a committee formed by the Balochistan government has already suggested the DRA. However, the Chief Minister of Balochistan has yet to take any action on this matter.

In response to the protests, the provincial government has reportedly initiated a crackdown on protest leaders, resulting in the arrest of over 50 employees thus far.

Earlier, 38 assistant professors and lecturers from government colleges faced suspension for their involvement in the protests.

In retaliation to government actions, the protesting employees have escalated their demonstrations, employing strikes, road blockages, and mass deportations. On Monday, they obstructed major highways linking Quetta to Karachi, Taftan, Gwadar, and Sindh in cities such as Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Nasirabad, disrupting traffic significantly.

The BGA has declared its intention to conduct protests in phases, with the initial phase involving road closures until January 14, followed by a total shutdown of government offices in Balochistan on January 15.

The ultimate stage of these protests is scheduled for January 20, with a sit-in planned near the Red Zone in Quetta. The employees have cautioned the government that they will initiate a 'Jail Bharo' (Fill the Jails) movement if their demands are not met.

Previously, the provincial government suspended 38 assistant professors and lecturers, including six female educators from various college departments, for three months due to their participation in strikes and protests, as reported by local media on Monday.

A notification issued by the Balochistan Chief Secretary indicated that these actions were taken under the Balochistan Employees' Efficiency and Discipline Act (BEDA) for participating in a strike, locking government offices, and obstructing official work, alleging that the suspended educators breached governmental rules and regulations.

According to reports from The Balochistan Post, among those suspended is Abdul Qudoos Kakar, the chairman of the BGA, a coalition of government employees that has been at the forefront of the protest movement advocating for multiple employee rights.

Employee organizations have condemned the government’s actions, expressing concerns that these suspensions represent an effort to suppress the right to protest. They warned that punitive measures against educators would only heighten tensions between the government and its employees.