Employees of the Pakistan Printing Press gathered in Islamabad for a symbolic protest outside the PCP head office after not receiving salaries for three months, drawing a large turnout from across the organisation. The focus of the demonstrations was immediate payment and public attention to the mounting financial hardship facing staff.
Union leaders addressed the crowd, with Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen of the CDA Mazdoor Union, Chaudhry Muhammad Bilal of the All Pakistan Printing Press and Asad Mehmood of the Pakistan Workers Federation warning that the Pakistan Printing Press is in a severe financial crisis. They blamed administrative negligence, incompetence and anti-worker policies for the situation, saying these failures have extinguished the hearths in many workers’ homes.
The labour leaders said the non-payment of salaries for three months has pushed employees into extreme financial distress and that retired workers have also not been paid their dues. They highlighted that senior officials continue to receive perks and allowances while lower-grade employees are being ignored, a practice the unions described as gross injustice.
The unions urged the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and relevant authorities to take immediate notice and ensure prompt payment of salaries, arrears and pensions. They warned that if the government does not act, the scope of the strike will be expanded across the city.
During the protest, employees chanted slogans demanding their rights and the restoration of their salaries and vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met. The unions stressed that swift government intervention is needed to resolve the Pakistan Printing Press salary crisis and restore confidence among workers and retirees.
