Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis, Ghulam Sarwar Khan said on Monday that the government would increase salaries and pensions of government servants in the next budget.
He was talking to the media after the inaugural ceremony of a two-day seminar on "Woman Employment in Public Sector" organised by the Ministry of Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. The seminar is aimed at promoting awareness among the public, especially women who make up half of the country's population.
The minister anticipated 15 percent increase in salaries and Rs 1,500 more in pensions of the government employees. "The forthcoming budget will cater to the needs of workers and labourers," he added. Replying to a question, he said the budget would provide relief and benefits to low-income classes. He said the government was trying to pass on the benefits of high economic growth to the lowest tiers of the society.
Sarwar Khan said the government had always shown commitment to facilitating the workers in addition to mobilising the employer community to ensure maximum protection to workers for smooth functioning of the industry.
Appreciating the efforts and role of overseas Pakistanis, the minister said the foundation was making all possible efforts to facilitate the overseas Pakistanis and their family members. He said Overseas Pakistanis Foundation would set up more educational institutions for quality education to the children of Pakistanis working abroad.
Earlier, Sarwar Khan told the seminar that the government was paying particular attention in solving problems faced by the working women who were contributing to the national development with their valuable services. He hoped that the seminar would help identify ways and means to encourage the women to better avail of the job opportunities opening for them in various sectors.
The minister said the national plan of action for the advancement and empowerment of women lays down that gender equality is a matter of human rights and social justice and a fundamental pre-requisite for sustained development. Secretary Labour and Manpower Division, Malik Asif Hayat, also briefed the participants about the achievements and plans of the ministry.
Due to the policies of the government, unemployment has been reduced in the country, he said. Joint Secretary A.R. Abid and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.