The Sindh Employees Alliance today officially called off its planned province-wide protest and sit-in, averting a major administrative disruption, following successful negotiations with Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah, who assured them their demands would be addressed at the highest level of government.

An eight-member delegation from the alliance, spearheaded by Chairman Haji Ashraf Khaskheli, engaged in discussions with the Chief Secretary at the Sindh Secretariat. The crucial session, held on the directives of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, also included the Secretary of School Education, Secretary of Finance, Secretary of General Administration, and the Deputy Commissioner South.

The core of the dialogue centered on critical employee grievances, including contentious pension reforms, the Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA), and issues surrounding group insurance. During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary directly communicated with the Chief Minister, briefing him on the employees” pressing concerns.

In a decisive move, Chief Minister Shah gave his assurance that the employees” demands would be formally included as an agenda item in the upcoming Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday. Following this significant commitment, the Sindh Employees Alliance announced the immediate postponement of their sit-in, which had been planned for October 6.

Haji Ashraf Khaskheli confirmed the cessation of the protest, announcing that all government employees would resume their official duties starting the next day. He stated that all personnel are to report to their respective offices as usual.

To ensure a sustainable resolution, a high-level committee has been constituted. This body will feature the Secretaries of General Administration, Finance, School Education, and Law, alongside four representatives from the Sindh Employees Alliance. The committee is tasked with formulating mutually agreeable and practical recommendations for the Sindh Government”s consideration.

Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah reaffirmed the administration”s commitment to the welfare of its workforce. ‘As Chief Secretary, it is my responsibility to bring employees’ legitimate issues before the government and ensure constructive solutions,’ he remarked.

Subsequently, the Services General Administration and Coordination Department officially issued the agenda for the forthcoming Sindh Cabinet meeting. The agenda confirms that matters concerning Salary and DRA, Group Insurance and Benevolent Fund, and Pension Reforms will be deliberated upon in detail.