Islamabad, Jan 3: The Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) has proposed a substantial increase in the rental ceilings for federal employees, ranging from 60% to 125%, in response to escalating market rental rates. The revised ceilings aim to ease the financial burden on federal employees by aligning their housing allowances with current rental market trends.
Proposed Adjustments by Grade
Grades 1-6
- Employees in Grades 1-2 may see the largest adjustment, with a 125% increase.
- In Islamabad: Ceiling proposed to rise from Rs. 7,029 to Rs. 15,815.
- In Rawalpindi: Ceiling proposed to rise from Rs. 6,591 to Rs. 14,830.
- For Grades 3-6:
- Islamabad: Increase from Rs. 10,980 to Rs. 24,705.
- Rawalpindi: Increase from Rs. 9,654 to Rs. 21,722.
Grades 7-10
A 100% increase is recommended:
- Islamabad: Ceiling to rise from Rs. 16,403 to Rs. 32,804.
- Rawalpindi: Ceiling to rise from Rs. 14,682 to Rs. 29,364.
Grades 11-22
A uniform 60% hike is suggested:
- Grade 11-13:
- Islamabad: Ceiling to increase from Rs. 24,744 to Rs. 39,590.
- Rawalpindi: Ceiling to increase from Rs. 21,462 to Rs. 34,339.
- Grade 22:
- Islamabad: Ceiling to rise from Rs. 98,444 to Rs. 157,510.
- Rawalpindi: Ceiling to rise from Rs. 98,444 to Rs. 142,768.
Rationale Behind the Proposal
Pak PWD argues that the current rental ceilings are insufficient to cover the rising costs of housing, particularly in urban centers like Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The department has urged the government to approve these adjustments to ensure federal employees can access adequate housing without significant financial strain.
If implemented, these increases will provide much-needed relief for federal employees, especially those in lower grades, by helping them cope with the rising cost of living in major cities.
