Are Balochistan Government Employees Ready for a Pen-Down Strike?
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Synopsis
In a significant turn of events, the Balochistan Grand Alliance of government employees has initiated a pen-down strike demanding overdue allowances. As protests escalate, they emphasize the critical need for attention from the government, shedding light on ongoing issues within the province's administration. Key actions are set to unfold, making this a situation to watch closely.
Key Takeaways
- Balochistan government employees are protesting for overdue allowances.
- The strike is a response to government inaction.
- Emergency services will remain operational during the protest.
- The Levies Force protests highlight concerns over governance.
- The merger of the Levies with police has been controversial.
Quetta, Dec 29 (NationPress) In a bold move, the Grand Alliance of Balochistan government employees declared a pen-down strike on Monday, demanding a Disparity Reduction Allowance, as reported by local media.
Ali Asghar Bangulzai, the General Secretary of the Balochistan Grand Alliance, expressed that this protest has progressed to its second phase due to the 'government's indifference and incompetence', according to Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn.
Bangulzai announced that the government employees associated with the Balochistan Grand Alliance will initiate a pen-down strike on Monday, succeeded by a complete halt of all government operations in the province on December 30 and 31.
He emphasized that emergency services within the health department will continue to function during the protest.
Previously in October, security personnel in Kalat protested against the Balochistan government's decision to merge the Levies Force with the police department, as per local media reports.
In response to the provincial government's notification regarding the merger, Levies personnel organized protests throughout Balochistan. A rally took place in Kalat, starting from the Levies Headquarters, moving through key areas such as Shahi Bazaar, Hospital Road, Harboi Road, and Darbar Road, before returning to the headquarters, reported The Balochistan Post.
Protesters, holding placards opposing the merger, shouted slogans against the integration of the Levies Force into the police.
During the protest, Levies officers highlighted the force's long-standing history of 142 years and its critical role in maintaining law and order in Balochistan, with numerous members sacrificing their lives in the line of duty.
They cautioned that a similar merger attempt in the past failed and warned that repeating the same action would lead to another failure.
Speakers urged the Balochistan government to adhere to the High Court's stay order on the merger and to retract the recent notification immediately.
An official notification released on October 16 indicated that the Balochistan government, with the cabinet's approval, merged the provincial and federal levies forces with the police across six out of seven administrative divisions in the province, designating these divisions as A-Areas, as reported by Dawn.
The six divisions where the merger has been authorized include Quetta, Rakhshan, Kalat, Makran, Zhob, and Nasirabad.
However, the Levies force in the Sibi division, encompassing Sibi, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Harnai, and Ziarat districts, remains unmerged with the Balochistan police.
Point of View
We acknowledge the struggles faced by Balochistan government employees. While their demands highlight significant issues within the provincial governance, it is vital to approach the situation with a balanced perspective. Engaging in dialogue with the government is essential for resolving these disputes and ensuring that the voices of the employees are heard and addressed.
NationPress
03/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary demands of the Balochistan government employees?
The primary demands include the payment of a Disparity Reduction Allowance and other overdue allowances.
When is the pen-down strike taking place?
The pen-down strike commenced on December 29, with plans for a complete lockdown of government institutions on December 30 and 31.
Will emergency services be affected during the strike?
No, emergency services within the health department will continue to operate during the protest.
What prompted the Levies Force protests in Kalat?
The protests were prompted by the Balochistan government's decision to merge the Levies Force with the police department.
What divisions were affected by the merger of the Levies Force?
The merger affects Quetta, Rakhshan, Kalat, Makran, Zhob, and Nasirabad divisions, while Sibi division remains unaffected.
