MQM-P Stages Major Protest in Karachi Over Unpaid Employee Benefits
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) organised a significant demonstration outside the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) headquarters on MA Jinnah Road on July 10, 2026. The protest demanded the immediate disbursement of pensions, gratuity, provident fund dues, and other retirement benefits that have reportedly remained unpaid for more than 10,000 retired and currently serving employees of KMC, town administrations, the Water Corporation, and the Karachi Development Authority (KDA). According to The Express Tribune, the protest was organised by MQM-P's Central Labour Division.
Protesters Accuse Sindh Government of Financial Neglect
The gathering brought together retired municipal workers, doctors, nurses, paramedics, labour representatives, legal professionals, and party supporters. Participants accused the Sindh government and municipal authorities of failing to honour financial commitments owed to employees. Many workers reported waiting years for payments that are legally due.
Senior MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar addressed the crowd, alleging that thousands of retired civic employees have been awaiting their benefits since 2017, despite court directives and assurances reportedly made by the Karachi mayor before the Sindh High Court. He stated that many former public servants, after dedicating decades to civic institutions, are now spending their retirement struggling to access their own savings and post-retirement entitlements.
Demand for Release of PKR 25 Billion in Outstanding Payments
Farooq Sattar called on Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to immediately authorise the release of approximately PKR 25 billion in outstanding payments. He argued that this amount is insignificant when compared with the provincial government's overall annual expenditure. Sattar maintained that retired employees should not be forced into prolonged financial hardship because of administrative delays, as cited by The Express Tribune.
Salary Increase and Pay Revision Demands
The MQM-P leader also demanded the implementation of the 12 per cent salary increase approved in the KMC budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, along with pending pay revisions for employees of the Water Corporation. He asserted that these increases are statutory rights rather than discretionary measures, as reported by The Express Tribune.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between the Sindh government and municipal workers over delayed benefits, with MQM-P vowing to continue agitation until their demands are met.
