Sindh's chief secretary suspends annual honorarium for govt employees

The Chief Secretary of Sindh, Syed Asif Haider Shah, has suspended the annual honorarium for employees and officers of the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department, as well as the General Administration and Implementation Wing. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, this sudden decision has left over a thousand government staff members facing financial strain, with many expressing serious concerns about their livelihoods.

The secretary of the services and general administration department (S&GAD) had submitted recommendations for releasing the honorarium, which were forwarded to the chief secretary and subsequently to the finance secretary for approval. 

Although the finance secretary granted clearance, the chief secretary withheld the file, citing a frugality policy as justification for the suspension.

Employees have raised complaints that despite often working beyond regular office hours, they have been deprived of the honorarium for the fiscal year 2025-2026. 

The move affects secretaries, special secretaries, additional and deputy secretaries, section officers, and other staff across the relevant departments.

Officials confirmed that the allocated funds for the honorarium have not been disbursed, leaving the employees anxious and financially constrained amid rising expenses.

Reporter: Azad Nehrio