The Balochistan Grand Alliance protest rally was held in Quetta on Tuesday, drawing a large number of government employees, labor union representatives, and civil servants from various departments. The rally highlighted growing dissatisfaction among public sector workers over economic pressures, pension reforms, and government policies related to privatization.
The protest rally began from Quetta Railway Station, where participants gathered early in the morning carrying banners and placards inscribed with their demands. Chanting slogans in favor of employee rights, the demonstrators marched peacefully through different roads and main arteries of the city. The rally later proceeded toward the Quetta Press Club, where it turned into a public demonstration.
Addressing the gathering, speakers from the Balochistan Grand Alliance demanded that government employees in Balochistan be granted a 30 percent Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA) on the same pattern as federal government employees. They said rising inflation, increasing utility bills, and the high cost of living had made it extremely difficult for public servants to manage household expenses on current salaries.
The protesters strongly opposed the privatization of government departments, calling it unacceptable and harmful to job security. According to the speakers, privatization would not only increase unemployment but also weaken essential public services in the province.
Another major demand raised during the rally was the reversal of pension reforms. The demonstrators urged the government to protect pension rights, stating that pensions are not a privilege but a lifetime entitlement for employees who have served the state for decades. They also called for an immediate end to contract-based recruitments, demanding permanent appointments to ensure job stability and merit-based hiring.
Leaders of the alliance warned that if their demands were ignored, the protest movement would be expanded across Balochistan in the coming days. They emphasized that their struggle would continue until the provincial and federal governments took concrete steps to address the grievances of government employees.
The rally concluded peacefully outside the Quetta Press Club, with organizers announcing future plans of action.
