QUETTA: Government employees across Balochistan observed a province-wide pen-down strike on Monday to protest the non-acceptance of their demands, including the payment of the disparity reduction allowance. The strike led to the suspension of official work in government offices across the province, causing disruption to routine administrative activities.
The protest call was given by the Balochistan Grand Alliance, an umbrella organisation representing various government employees’ bodies. Employees halted work in offices and departments to press the provincial government to accept their long-standing demands. As a result, many public offices remained non-functional throughout the day.
On Sunday, Ali Asghar Bangulzai, General Secretary of the Balochistan Grand Alliance, announced that the protest movement had entered its second phase, citing what he described as the government’s continued apathy and failure to fulfil commitments made to employees. He said that despite repeated assurances, the provincial government had not implemented promises made to government employees over a long period.
Mr Bangulzai stated that rising inflation and increasing unemployment had severely affected low-paid government employees, making it difficult for them to meet basic living expenses. He criticised the government for launching new development projects while, according to him, ignoring the legitimate financial rights of its workforce. He added that employees were left with no option but to intensify their protest after the authorities failed to address their concerns.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government decided to initiate action against employees who participated in the pen-down strike. According to official sources, the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) has sought detailed information regarding government employees who took part in the protest.
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A formal letter issued by the S&GAD has been sent to the Additional Chief Secretary of Planning and Development, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Chairman CMIT, all provincial secretaries, and the Inspector General of Police. The letter directed the concerned departments to provide names and designations of employees who participated in the pen-down strike organised by the Balochistan Grand Alliance.
The Balochistan government decided to initiate action against the employees who had participated in the pen-down action.https://t.co/N8soHt86bp
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 30, 2025
The communication stated that competent authorities had instructed all departments to submit the required details immediately. Officials indicated that the information would be used to determine further administrative action in accordance with rules and regulations.
The strike and the government’s response have heightened tensions between employees’ organisations and the provincial administration. While employees insist that their demands remain unaddressed, the government has maintained that disciplinary measures may be taken against those who disrupted official work. No immediate resolution to the standoff was announced by either side.
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