ANP President Asghar Khan Achakzai Condemns Employee Arrests, Demands Resolution of their Issues

Quetta: The President of the Awami National Party (ANP) Balochistan, Asghar Khan Achakzai, has called on the government to release the detained employees and fulfill their demands, including the increase in their Dearness Relief Allowance (DRA) and other entitlements. Speaking at a rally held in support of the Grand Alliance employees, Achakzai emphasized that ANP workers’ children would also join the protest alongside the children of Grand Alliance leaders on July 8. He assured the employees that ANP would continue to raise their voices on every forum for their rights.

In his speech, Achakzai strongly condemned the arrests of Grand Alliance leaders, including Salam Zahri, Akram Wardag, and Agha Zahid, by the police during the protests. He criticized the government and police for targeting employees, raiding their homes, and attempting to suppress their peaceful protests. He added that such actions would not intimidate them. He also pointed out that, for the first time, the opposition had adorned the Chief Minister with a garland during the budget session, showcasing the unity of the opposition.

Achakzai stated that the government’s failure to meet the promises made to the Grand Alliance led to the protests. Instead of resolving the issues, the government had resorted to using police force to repress the peaceful demonstrations, including baton charges, teargas shelling, and the arrest of hundreds of employees. He stressed that such actions were condemnable, and the government should refrain from using such underhanded tactics. He reiterated that the real and legitimate demands of employees, including increases in salaries, pensions, and DRA, should be met immediately.

The ANP leader highlighted that government employees across the country received a 70% DRA, while Balochistan’s employees were only granted 30%. He called for the DRA of Balochistan’s employees to be raised to 70%, similar to the national standard.

The speakers also criticized the provincial government for passing the Mines and Minerals Act in the assembly, which they said had been oppressive to the people of Balochistan. They warned the government that its unjust actions would not be forgotten, as the leaders who had supported such measures were directly responsible for the injustices faced by the people.

Achakzai stated that the so-called puppet rulers had no real power and that their oppressive tactics were only worsening the situation in the province. He assured the protesters that ANP would stand with them and continue supporting their legitimate demands. The protesters, chanting slogans, ended the demonstration peacefully, demanding the immediate release of arrested employees and the fulfillment of their demands.