In a much-needed relief for thousands of federal government employees, Islamabad has approved a substantial 85% increase in the house rent ceiling, a move expected to ease the burden of rising living and housing costs across the country.
According to official sources, the federal cabinet has endorsed the decision through circulation, following recommendations from the Ministry of Housing and Works. The revision will apply to all employees from Grade 1 to Grade 22, marking one of the most significant adjustments in recent years.
For months, government workers had been voicing concerns over skyrocketing rents, particularly in major cities where accommodation costs have surged far beyond their current allowances. This long-awaited revision, officials say, is a recognition of those hardships and a step toward improving the financial well-being of public servants.
The decision is estimated to cost the national exchequer around Rs. 12 billion, but authorities argue that the expense is justified, given the growing economic pressure on salaried employees. The increase aims to help federal workers manage their accommodation needs with greater ease and stability.
Sources within the Housing Ministry confirmed that the proposal had been under review for quite some time, as the house rent ceiling had not been revised for several years, leaving many employees struggling to make ends meet.
Government representatives described the move as part of a broader effort to support the workforce that keeps the country’s administrative machinery running. Officials emphasized that such measures not only enhance employee morale but also reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding its workers amid ongoing inflation.
With this latest decision, the federal government has sent a clear signal that it recognizes the challenges faced by its employees and is taking tangible steps to address them. For many, this announcement represents more than just a financial adjustment it’s a gesture of acknowledgment and reassurance in uncertain economic times.