Pakistan Turkey Relief Fund: Pakistan is helping Turkey, 50% salary of Balochistan officials cut

In Turkey and Syria, there was an earthquake of 7.8 magnitudes in the past. The tremors of this earthquake were so strong that many cities turned into rubble. The whole world is praying and helping Turkey and Syria and many countries are sending relief materials. At the same time, Pakistan, which is struggling with poverty, has also sent help to Turkey.

This month's salary of Balochistan government officials was cut by 50 percent without any formal orders by the Pakistan government or the provincial governments. Half of their salary was deducted in the name of contribution to Turkish relief aid.

Cut his salary to help Turkey

The Asia Light reported that grade 19 to 21 officers in Balochistan protested against the unilateral pay cut. They say they are already facing problems in feeding their families due to a 33 percent increase in the prices of essential commodities. This salary was his only source of income. They cannot be deprived of their rightful earnings without any consultation.

A report in Dainik Intekhab said that the officials have asked whether other officers from other grades and provinces were also asked to contribute or if it was the decree of the Balochistan government. They plan to appeal to the federal government with the suggestion that they can pay for a day or two of pay, and avoid a massive 50 percent cut in pay.

Pakistan sent 162 tonnes of relief material to Turkey

During the economic crisis, the Shahbaz government is trying hard to show that it is fully with Turkey in times of crisis. Turkey also helped Pakistan during the floods in Pakistan last year. Pakistan has so far sent 16 containers of 162 tonnes of relief material to Turkey.

PM Shehbaz Sharif had announced that he would visit Ankara and show solidarity with Turkey in times of crisis. However, the Turkish government has asked Shahbaz to postpone his visit, turning a blind eye to Shahbaz's intentions. A message was sent to Shahbaz that it would not be appropriate for him to visit Turkey as it is dealing with the disaster.

Some media reports termed it an 'insult' to Sharif, who should not waste time, money, and effort to show goodwill when his government is in crisis.

Imran Khan has admitted that when he was the Prime Minister of Pakistan, he talked about keeping or buying expensive gifts from foreign hosts and guests at concessional rates. These gifts also included an expensive wristwatch gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

A case is before the court in which it has been argued that as per government rules, he should have deposited those gifts in the government's depository Toshakhana as he had received them in his official position.

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