Govt decides against six-day working week in cabinet huddle [Update Post #60]

[Major]

Thanks alot Imran Khan.

 

[Major]

This is why i hate the idea of overseas Pakistani's getting to vote and having a say in our politics. Because at the end of the day, any decision made changes our lives not the ones sitting abroad.

 

[King-Misbah]

This is why i hate the idea of overseas Pakistani's getting to vote and having a say in our politics. Because at the end of the day, any decision made changes our lives not the ones sitting abroad.

Why you moaning to work 6 days a week? My dad works 7 days a week, 8-14 hours daily and he has been doing this for 30 years now. Yes, we live abroad. A country will not progress until its citizens make sacrifices and work harder.

 

[hussain.r97]

This is why i hate the idea of overseas Pakistani's getting to vote and having a say in our politics. Because at the end of the day, any decision made changes our lives not the ones sitting abroad.

Will it really be much different to other countries, considering government offices in Pakistan close at 12.30pm on Fridays because of jummah? If the average working day is 8 hours, it would simply mean Pakistanis work 4.5 hours per week more than most other countries.

 

[Syed1]

My dad has been working 6 days a week for 30 years now.

 

[Fahdi]

Hopefully this is just a temporary measure.

There's a reason every developed country has a 5 day work week. The weekend helps to boost productivity and rejuvenate the workers. Studies have proven how important a good work-life balance is when it comes to boosting productivity and creating a happy working populace. In Scandinavian counties they are looking to reduce the working hours on top of having a 5 day work week.

 

[Gayle_Force]

I don’t think that means that people have to work six days a week.

I believe it may just means that the office will be open six days a week.

 

[shah_1]

Many working people live away from their hometown go meet their families on weekend It's been proven that working many days doesn't increase productivity, but decreases it. That's why you see almost every country goes for 5 working days week. PTI should understand that employee satisfaction and happiness is linked to better work performance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workweek_and_weekend

Huge Blunder by PTI if it goes ahead.

 

[shah_1]

I don’t think that means that people have to work six days a week.

I believe it may just means that the office will be open six days a week.

Empty offices?

 

[Gayle_Force]

Empty offices?

Means shift work. You can have a couple of people doing Tuesday to Saturday shifts for example.

I believe working days is another terminology of business days.

 

[Major]

I don’t think that means that people have to work six days a week.

I believe it may just means that the office will be open six days a week.

and who are running those offices for six days?


6 days work week is ridiculous. Few years ago 6 day work week existed and i know how much my dad hated it, as it was an extra burden.

 

[Gayle_Force]

and who are running those offices for six days?


6 days work week is ridiculous. Few years ago 6 day work week existed and i know how much my dad hated it, as it was an extra burden.

Like I mentioned earlier, it likely just means that there will be shifts and people working Saturday will likely have a day off during the weekdays. It happens quite often in the west.

 

[Syed1]

Man some people are so ignorant and they call overseas Pakistanis as uninformed. Most working class salaried Pakistanis that do not work in banks or for the government have a six day working week already


When 90% of the workforce can work without much issue for 6 days then I'm sure the overfed and overpaid incompetent government employees can also get off their lazy behinds and work 6 days.


Excellent decision by PTI.

 

[Major]

Man some people are so ignorant and they call overseas Pakistanis as uninformed. Most working class salaried Pakistanis that do not work in banks or for the government have a six day working week already


When 90% of the workforce can work without much issue for 6 days then I'm sure the overfed and overpaid incompetent government employees can also get off their lazy behinds and work 6 days.


Excellent decision by PTI.

govt employees are overpaid?

wow, I have really heard enough here.

 

[the Great Khan]

not sure about this idea. I would like to see if it is approved. Remember its just an agenda item and they may just discuss it and then reject it..

 

[DrSchultz]

govt employees are overpaid?

wow, I have really heard enough here.

it is a slippery slope

 

[DrSchultz]

I salute the people here whose fathers have been working 24/7 for the last 50 years.

 

[Syed1]

govt employees are overpaid?

wow, I have really heard enough here.

Getting paid for zero work = overpaid

 

[Syed1]

Most government officers are corrupt hence their children vote for PPP and PML-N, now they are crying when the screw is tightening.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Most private organizations, apart from banks, have seven working days. Don’t quite understand why having six working days for government offices is such an issue.

 

[Syed1]

Most private organizations, apart from banks, have seven working days. Don’t quite understand why having six working days for government offices is such an issue.

The corrupt officers are having to get off their back side and actually work isliyey cheekhien nikal rahi hain.

 

[shah_1]

My cousin works in Islamabad, and his family lives in Haripur. So he goes to his family every weekend. He is definitely worried about this

There are workers like him living away from their hometown.

 

[DrSchultz]

Most private organizations, apart from banks, have seven working days. Don’t quite understand why having six working days for government offices is such an issue.

Seven working days? Can you name some?

 

[Fahdi]

Man some people are so ignorant and they call overseas Pakistanis as uninformed. Most working class salaried Pakistanis that do not work in banks or for the government have a six day working week already


When 90% of the workforce can work without much issue for 6 days then I'm sure the overfed and overpaid incompetent government employees can also get off their lazy behinds and work 6 days.


Excellent decision by PTI.

I am aware how the private sector exploits the labor. Not only do they make people work 6 days a week they are often made to work overtime but never paid for it. The middle class worker makes 30-50 thousand a month(and these are qualified individuals such as engineers), many make even less yet they are made to work 6 days a week and often work from 9am to 7pm. Nobody has the guts to ask for overtime and if anyone talks about it they are told you have too much "nakhra".

The labor in Pakistan is highly exploited kind of similar to the American working class but a lot worse. There is a reason government jobs are so highly sought after. From what I hear they are going to keep the 40 hr/week model which is good. The government should strengthen the implementation of labour laws so that the private sector employees don't get exploited as much.

 

[Gayle_Force]

The corrupt officers are having to get off their back side and actually work isliyey cheekhien nikal rahi hain.

Yea but tbh having six working days actually reduces the workload as not everyone will be cramming in to get work done during the weekdays.

Also, I am surprised that people here actually think that six working days means one person has to work six days a week. Working day is the same as a business day. If a grocery store is open seven days a week, it does not mean that the cashier inside is working all seven days.

 

[hussain.r97]

This honestly isn't such a big deal, and I don't think this actually means that all employees will work 6 days a week. It will most likely end up being a normal 40-45 hour week for most employeers.

You also need to factor in the fact that offices close at 12.30pm on Fridays, and will probably end up closing earlier on Saturday too.

 

[DrSchultz]

Yea but tbh having six working days actually reduces the workload as not everyone will be cramming in to get work done during the weekdays.

Also, I am surprised that people here actually think that six working days means one person has to work six days a week. Working day is the same as a business day. If a grocery store is open seven days a week, it does not mean that the cashier inside is working all seven days.

Pakistani Federal Govt observed 6 day working days before 2012.

The proposal is to go back to the working hours as they were before 2012.

According to the timing hours then, one person had to work 6 days a week.

Are you still surprised or slowly beginning to understand?

 

[DrSchultz]

This honestly isn't such a big deal, and I don't think this actually means that all employees will work 6 days a week. It will most likely end up being a normal 40-45 hour week for most employeers.

You also need to factor in the fact that offices close at 12.30pm on Fridays, and will probably end up closing earlier on Saturday too.

Official work timings barely matter, after you have reached office, as per pakistani office culture & etiquette you can't leave before the boss even if he is in till 8 pm everyday. I have heard Korea and Japan have similar etiquette.

this is why federal employees are going to resist a working saturday, because even if on official papers they are still going to be working for 40 hours, in real terms it will be much more.

 

[Syed1]

I am aware how the private sector exploits the labor. Not only do they make people work 6 days a week they are often made to work overtime but never paid for it. The middle class worker makes 30-50 thousand a month(and these are qualified individuals such as engineers), many make even less yet they are made to work 6 days a week and often work from 9am to 7pm. Nobody has the guts to ask for overtime and if anyone talks about it they are told you have too much "nakhra".

The labor in Pakistan is highly exploited kind of similar to the American working class but a lot worse. There is a reason government jobs are so highly sought after. From what I hear they are going to keep the 40 hr/week model which is good. The government should strengthen the implementation of labour laws so that the private sector employees don't get exploited as much.

Yes I agree there has to be streamlining of labour laws and proper checks and balances so that a workforce cannot be exploited. My friend is an engineer who works for a company that is building a dam near Jehlum and he often is working till very late at night or early in morning. Another guy works at Engro Power and he has the same issue, often working till 2-3am.

 

[Manager101]

Government employees gets a yearly quota of paid holidays, if an employee feels tired, he can avail those, so not much issue.

I think working for Govt. Should be enjoyed rather then some kind of a burden. My father used to consider it some kind of adventure.

I am a trader myself and work 7 days, enjoying it and when I want some rest, I give myself holidays for 2-4 days after 2 months each.

Only labor class deserves 2 days full holiday per week in my opinion.

 

[shah_1]

Good job PTI

Saturday will be holiday, we need to think about our middle class.

 

[DrSchultz]

Good job PTI

Saturday will be holiday, we need to think about our middle class.

Is there a presser?

 

[Syed1]

You were ill informed about employee wages.

CSS officers gets very little amount compared to responsibility they are given.

They are paid more than they deserve for lazing around all day.

 

[Major]

My father use to work in ministry of Information. And his job was severely underpaid. Today, my family still lives under rent we dont have any house.

So if [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] wants to get personal here and make allegations, then he better bring proof. Or just stop shooting generic comments.

Government officers are paid very little. Infact, my brother was making more money at an electronic shop sales person.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Pakistani Federal Govt observed 6 day working days before 2012.

The proposal is to go back to the working hours as they were before 2012.

According to the timing hours then, one person had to work 6 days a week.

Are you still surprised or slowly beginning to understand?

If that is indeed the case than it is excessive. However, the OP has just included the first page of an agenda, which just states changing to six working days. That by itself does not mean people will be working six days.

Anyways, I would be supportive of a six day working week. However, they should find another way to make it work rather than have people working all six days.

 

[desirous of desire]

I wonder the motivation behind this if the working hours are the same as in the 5 working days time schedule. People here defending this decision are either avoiding this fact just to defend this decision or dont know about it.Living as a bachelor in islamabad, staying in hostels and eating from the low quality food they offer, I could only find respite in visiting Lahore by spending time with my family every weekend and eating home cooked food.

 

[Major]

Pakistani Federal Govt observed 6 day working days before 2012.

The proposal is to go back to the working hours as they were before 2012.

According to the timing hours then, one person had to work 6 days a week.

Are you still surprised or slowly beginning to understand?

exactly, and i remember how it use to take a toll on my dad.

Working 6 days and that to in a government office is a really difficult job.

Bank employees also work 5 days, but they usually get called in for 6 days works aswell, but on saturday they dont deal with public

 

[Syed1]

My father use to work in ministry of Information. And his job was severely underpaid. Today, my family still lives under rent we dont have any house.

So if [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] wants to get personal here and make allegations, then he better bring proof. Or just stop shooting generic comments.

Government officers are paid very little. Infact, my brother was making more money at an electronic shop sales person.

Well then the next logical question would be why didn't your father (who I'm sure is a nice guy) didn't quit and find a job that pays him well?

 

[DrSchultz]

If that is indeed the case than it is excessive. However, the OP has just included the first page of an agenda, which just states changing to six working days. That by itself does not mean people will be working six days.

Anyways, I would be supportive of a six day working week. However, they should find another way to make it work rather than have people working all six days.

I have seen the circular floating around the web where the HR dept of federal govt claimed that the change proposed is to go back to pre 2012 timings.

Your suggestion is actually well-intentioned and should be implemented. So people can avail govt facilities, offices on saturday as well, but this shouldn't compromise the sanity of a government worker.

 

[Fahdi]

Yes I agree there has to be streamlining of labour laws and proper checks and balances so that a workforce cannot be exploited. My friend is an engineer who works for a company that is building a dam near Jehlum and he often is working till very late at night or early in morning. Another guy works at Engro Power and he has the same issue, often working till 2-3am.

This isn't even the worst of it. My senior who is a civil engineer worked for a year in a private consultancy where he was paid 25,000 a month and worked almost 10 hours everyday, sometimes even 11-12 hours. And he was working without even a proper contract( like many others). This means if you complain too much you can be let go and you don't even get your experience certificate to show you actually had a job. Since they didn't sign a contract they can't even go to court.

 

[Major]

Well then the next logical question would be why didn't your father (who I'm sure is a nice guy) didn't quit and find a job that pays him well?

Because he was a CSS officer, and its not just a job its a career.

In pakistan, not everyone could just leave their govt jobs and go to private sector which lacks job security

 

[Syed1]

This isn't even the worst of it. My senior who is a civil engineer worked for a year in a private consultancy where he was paid 25,000 a month and worked almost 10 hours everyday, sometimes even 11-12 hours. And he was working without even a proper contract( like many others). This means if you complain too much you can be let go and you don't even get your experience certificate to show you actually had a job. Since they didn't sign a contract they can't even go to court.

The sad part is if you complain you are let go. A buddy of mine, a sharp guy from NUST, worked at P&G for three years with similar working hours like you mentioned and he complained about work-life balance and he was promptly let go on some made up pretext.

 

[Major]

6 day work week isn't the only problem aswell

Problem is, already in government institutions, Junior workers get political promotions that they end up becoming the bosses of their seniors. Foreign postings are given to under-ranked staff and the deserving candidates are ignored.

Seeing your juniors become your boss or getting foreign postings are one of the worst things for govt employees. You add 6 working days aswell, the govt workers will probably go crazy.

 

[DrSchultz]

6 day work week isn't the only problem aswell

Problem is, already in government institutions, Junior workers get political promotions that they end up becoming the bosses of their seniors. Foreign postings are given to under-ranked staff and the deserving candidates are ignored.

Seeing your juniors become your boss or getting foreign postings are one of the worst things for govt employees. You add 6 working days aswell, the govt workers will probably go crazy.

Ishrat Husain has some good ideas, I hope IK gives his authority to implement them.

 

[Couch Cricketer]

6 day work week isn't the only problem aswell

Problem is, already in government institutions, Junior workers get political promotions that they end up becoming the bosses of their seniors. Foreign postings are given to under-ranked staff and the deserving candidates are ignored.

Seeing your juniors become your boss or getting foreign postings are one of the worst things for govt employees. You add 6 working days aswell, the govt workers will probably go crazy.

Well Ik also said he wants to change how government departments work so promotions postings everything is based on merit work performance not on connections\corruption.

 

[Syed1]

One option could be to go onto an hourly rate. This way if you work the extra hours (on a sixth day) you are duly compensated for it. Meaning if someone earns suppose 100,000 month, they should make 25,000 in a five day week or Rs. 625 per hour based on a 40 hour work week. So say someone is ok with working six days and needs the extra cash, they can work 48 hours a week and make 120,000. Obviously there has to be a cap on the max they work and also checks and balances so that people aren't charging hours despite not working.

 

[Maverick84]

I do agree that a 6 day week is counterproductive especially if you’re underpaid. Overtime payment can somewhat negate the counterproductivity aspect but I still have my doubts.

 

[MenInG]

Stop posting personal stuff or bans will be handed out

 

[mmkextreme_1]

This is why i hate the idea of overseas Pakistani's getting to vote and having a say in our politics. Because at the end of the day, any decision made changes our lives not the ones sitting abroad.

Aray bhai what does this have to do with foriegn Pakistanis voting?

Why can't we have a say in whats going on? A lot of us have ties back to Pakistan. Family, us coming back/visiting, businesses, property, etc. What happens in Pakistan does affect us here, be it directly or indirectly.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Just saw Fawad Chaudhary’s press conference. They are just changing the working hours for government offices from 8-3 to 9-5 Monday to Friday. Saturday remains a holiday.

This was kind of a premature thread.

 

[Syed1]

Just saw Fawad Chaudhary’s press conference. They are just changing the working hours for government offices from 8-3 to 9-5 Monday to Friday. Saturday remains a holiday.

This was kind of a premature thread.

People generally take off for Jummah prayers and never come back.

 

[Gayle_Force]

People generally take off for Jummah prayers and never come back.

He mentioned that in presser and said government will take measures to ensure that doesn’t happen.

 

[hussain.r97]

Just saw Fawad Chaudhary’s press conference. They are just changing the working hours for government offices from 8-3 to 9-5 Monday to Friday. Saturday remains a holiday.

This was kind of a premature thread.

Yeah, the document released before the meeting said that a six day week will be discussed. Cabinet decided against it, and instead chose to change working hours.

 

[Maverick84]

Yeah, the document released before the meeting said that a six day week will be discussed. Cabinet decided against it, and instead chose to change working hours.

Did they release a statement?

They should make attendance mandatory.

 

[the Great Khan]

Did they release a statement?

They should make attendance mandatory.

yes fawad chaudhry said so in his press conference. Working hours have changed to 9-5 not 8-3. Staff are also expected back at their desks after Jummah salat.

as I said before an agenda item is not a statement it is merely something to be discussed in the meeting..

 

[Savak]

Riddiculous decision this. In the West everyone has 5 working days and there is respect for work-life balance especially because you do not have the luxury of servants, cheap hired help unlike Pakistan and also to socialize. 5 quality working days is much better than 6 unproductive working days. There are also working mothers.

Seriously hopes that the govt overturns this decision.

 

[the Great Khan]

Riddiculous decision this. In the West everyone has 5 working days and there is respect for work-life balance especially because you do not have the luxury of servants, cheap hired help unlike Pakistan and also to socialize. 5 quality working days is much better than 6 unproductive working days. There are also working mothers.

Seriously hopes that the govt overturns this decision.

go back up and re-read..I think youve jumped the gun. Ans agenda item is not a statement..has nobody on this forum ever sat in meetings at work??

 

[Vegitto1]

I believe the suggestion was rejected during the meeting, however working hours are going to be changed from 8 AM to 4 PM to 9 AM to 5 PM

 

[Maverick84]

Riddiculous decision this. In the West everyone has 5 working days and there is respect for work-life balance especially because you do not have the luxury of servants, cheap hired help unlike Pakistan and also to socialize. 5 quality working days is much better than 6 unproductive working days. There are also working mothers.

Seriously hopes that the govt overturns this decision.

Lol bhai parh tou lo.

 

[MenInG]

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1786739/1-pm-imran-visit-fo-chair-cabinet-meeting-today/

ISLAMABAD: Following his maiden visit to the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired his second cabinet meeting at PM Office (PMO) in the federal capital.

The federal cabinet discussed seven-point agenda including abolition of discretionary funds, overseas visits, load-shedding, audit of mass transport projects, tree plantation, country-wide cleanliness drive and proposal of six working days for government offices.

Earlier in the day, PM Imran held separate meetings with Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan.

Qaiser greeted the prime minister on Eidul Azhar and felicitated him on assuming office.
According to a statement from the PMO, the two leaders discussed legislative business in the Parliament. “The people of Pakistan have great expectations from the assembly of Pakistan,” said PM Imran.

Reiterating austerity, Imran urged for a decrease in the assembly’s expenses. “All efforts would be made for smooth conduct of legislative business and expeditious resolution of core issues of the people,” ensured Speaker Qaiser.

PM Imran chairs first cabinet meeting

In the meeting with Sanjrani and CM Khan, PM Imran discussed matter related to security and development in Balochistan.

 

[Fahdi]

I believe the suggestion was rejected during the meeting, however working hours are going to be changed from 8 AM to 4 PM to 9 AM to 5 PM

Actually changed from 8-3 to 9-5. From 7 hours a day to 8 hours. I previously thought they worked 8-4 as well.

I actually think that 8-4 would be better. In Pakistan the climate is generally hot so office starting early would be good. Plus working people who have business in government offices can go at 8 am sharp and then still make it to work at 9:00-9:30.

 

[shah_1]

Overall satisfied with this.

Yes Friday needs to be a full day. There will be a hour break so they have enough time pray within the building or there is always a nearby mosque.

 

[DrSchultz]

Overall satisfied with this.

Yes Friday needs to be a full day. There will be a hour break so they have enough time pray within the building or there is always a nearby mosque.

someone correct me if i am wrong but friday prayers can't be held in private mosques like in offices - they should be in public mosques where there is no barrier on entry.

 

[Couch Cricketer]

someone correct me if i am wrong but friday prayers can't be held in private mosques like in offices - they should be in public mosques where there is no barrier on entry.

We are talking about Pakistan. 95% of the people can find a mosque less than <1-2 km from where they work. If it becomes too much of problem friday office timing should be changed to 8-12 and 2-5 with a 2 hour break in between.

 

[Minnowbasher]

Lol keep crying. You know your desperate when your hating on PTI for having to work 6 days a week. My father works 6/7 days a week and has been doing so for the last 24 years or so.
Also, people of Pakistan need to make sacrifices for the future generations. Back in the day the same had to be done by brits after world war 2. They had to work even harder in order to restore the country and make life easier for those in future generations. The fact that we are moaning about working 6 days a week shows we don't really want a new Pakistan.

 

[Asim_khan]

Some people haven't got a days work in'em, no wonder they're upset at having to do 6.

Just the thought of it has Got them so delirious that they're blaming overseas Pakistanis instead of the military for once.

 

[Savak]

Lol keep crying. You know your desperate when your hating on PTI for having to work 6 days a week. My father works 6/7 days a week and has been doing so for the last 24 years or so.
Also, people of Pakistan need to make sacrifices for the future generations. Back in the day the same had to be done by brits after world war 2. They had to work even harder in order to restore the country and make life easier for those in future generations. The fact that we are moaning about working 6 days a week shows we don't really want a new Pakistan.

In the West most people work 5 days a week

 

[Maverick84]

In the West most people work 5 days a week

Depends where you live in the West.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

My father use to work in ministry of Information. And his job was severely underpaid. Today, my family still lives under rent we dont have any house.

So if [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] wants to get personal here and make allegations, then he better bring proof. Or just stop shooting generic comments.

Government officers are paid very little. Infact, my brother was making more money at an electronic shop sales person.

Hang on.... wasn't your father a high grade civil servant equivalent to a minister at grade level? I vaguely remember you boasting about this long time ago...

 

[Eagle_Eye]

6 day working week is ridiculous. just work and goto your grave. Where is the time for relaxation. No wonder there is so much angst in Pakistan.

 

[Slog]

Premature comments on this thread

And the 8AM starting time is ridiculous. Not many will make it. People will be late to arrive but will end up leaving on time

 

[Madplayer]

govt employees are overpaid?

wow, I have really heard enough here.

Here in kashmir, some government offices get only 2 saturdays off per month apart from the usual sundays. Even these 2 saturdays were not available few years ago. Banks in partnership with government also get only 2 saturdays off.

I think this is okay in our part of the world because we have so many other local and national holidays throughout the year. The various Urs of saints, two eids per year, other festivals of minorities, then we also have a lot of strikes from time to time etc.

 

[DrSchultz]

Here in kashmir, some government offices get only 2 saturdays off per month apart from the usual sundays. Even these 2 saturdays were not available few years ago. Banks in partnership with government also get only 2 saturdays off.

I think this is okay in our part of the world because we have so many other local and national holidays throughout the year. The various Urs of saints, two eids per year, other festivals of minorities, then we also have a lot of strikes from time to time etc.

In provincial governments of pakistan, all saturdays are on.

 

[Bewal Express]

In provincial governments of pakistan, all saturdays are on.

But when do they actually do any work.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We remain committed to building Pakistan into a welfare state where the rights & welfare of our workers & farmers are protected & enhanced.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1520676328311181312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

The government on Friday notified more than 48pc increase in basic salaries of all the government servants, including civil and armed forces, in grade 1 to 22 or equivalent and 15pc increase in pensions of ex-employees with an immediate effect.

In doing so, the government completely revised the basic pay scales and allowances of the civil servants from BPS-2017 to Basic Pay Scales-2022 (BPS-2022). The 48pc increase works out on the basis of these two basic pay scales but since they were already drawing financial benefits, the effective increase for this year would be 15pc.

The notification said the basic pay of employees in service on June 6, 2022 shall be fixed in the BPS-2022 on point to point basis i.e. at the stage corresponding to that occupied by him or her above the BPS-2017. In case, personal pay being drawn by an employee as part of basic pay beyond the maximum pay sale on June 30, 2022 the employee shall continue to draw such pay in the BPS-2022.

With the introduction of BPS-2022, the ad hoc relief allowances at the rate of 10pc each year for last five years since July 1, 2016 would stand merged in the new scales and cease to exist with effect from July 1, 2022.

On top of this revision, an ad hoc relief allowance (ARA) at the rate of 15pc of the running basic pay of BPS-2017 has been allowed to the civil employees of the federal government as well as civilians paid out of defence estimates, including contingent paid staff and contract employees employed against civil posts in Basic Pay Scales on standard terms and conditions of contract appointment with effect from July 1, 2022and shall stand frozen at the same level till further orders.

All the new entrants shall be allowed ARA-2022 at the rate of 15pc of the minimum of the relevant basic pay of BPS-2017 on notional basis with effect from July 1, 2022 till further orders and shall stand frozen at the same level. The ARA will be subject to income tax and will be admissible during leave and entire period of last pay drawn (LPR) except during extraordinary leave.

The ARA will not be treated as part of emoluments for the purpose of calculation of pension or gratuity and recovery of house rent. This ARA will not be admissible to the employees during the tenure of their posting or deputation abroad but would be admissible on their repatriation from abroad at the rate and amount which would have been admissible to them, had they not been posted abroad.

According to BPS chart, also notified by the finance ministry, the revision has resulted in an increase of 48pc in basic salary of all the employees from grade 1 to 22. The ministry also notified 15pc increase in pensions including 10pc allowed on April 1, 2022. The 15pc increase in pension will also be admissible to those pensioners who retire on or after July 1, 2022. The previous five increases (of 10pc each since 2017) will cease to exist for the pensioners who will retire on or after July 1, 2022.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2022