Sindh Govt to Release Advance Salaries and Pensions Ahead of Diwali

The Sindh government has announced that Hindu employees will receive advance salaries and pensions ahead of the Diwali festival.

According to an official notification, Hindu government employees and pensioners will be paid their dues by October 15, instead of the usual November 1 date.

Earlier, the provincial government had also declared a public holiday on October 20 for the Hindu community in celebration of Diwali. The notification issued on Thursday by the Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department (SGA&CD) stated that the Diwali holiday will be observed in all provincial offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, corporations, and local councils operating under the Sindh government.

Signed by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, the circular clarified that the holiday is exclusively for the Hindu community, allowing Hindu employees in provincial departments and related institutions to celebrate the religious occasion.

Copies of the notification have been distributed to senior officials, including the Accountant General Sindh, Inspector General of Police, Additional Chief Secretaries, Commissioners, and Deputy Commissioners across the province to ensure compliance.