Islamabad (Special Correspondent)
 More than 4,500 retired employees of the Agricultural Development Bank Limited (ZTBL) have staged protests against the non-payment of their dues and pensions amounting to billions of rupees. During the protest in Islamabad, the retired employees chanted slogans against the government and bank management, demanding the immediate payment of their rightful dues. Representatives of the employees told the media that it has been almost four years since they retired, yet the Agricultural Development Bank has failed to pay their billions of rupees in dues. They stated that due to the non-payment of pensions, gratuities, and other financial obligations, thousands of retired employees and their families are facing severe financial difficulties.
On this occasion, former General Secretary of the CBA Employees Union Iqbal Khan Khattak and President Sardar Ghulam Mustafa Khan stated that despite clear and definitive orders from the Peshawar High Court, there has been procrastination in the payment of dues to retired employees, which constitutes a violation of court orders and contempt of court. The protesters expressed that they dedicated their valuable energies to serving the Agricultural Development Bank, but now, at this stage of their lives post-retirement, they are forced to protest on the streets to obtain their rightful dues. Due to severe inflation, it has also become difficult to manage medical treatments, medications, and household expenses, leading to significant mental and economic distress for retired employees and their families. The retired employees have urged Prime Minister Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Federal Minister of Finance, and the higher judiciary to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure the prompt disbursement of all due pensions, gratuities, and other financial dues in light of the Peshawar High Court’s decision.
The protesters warned that if their legitimate demands are not addressed immediately, they will expand their protests nationwide and will pursue every constitutional and legal avenue to secure their rights.