BAHAWALPUR: The workers of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and power distribution companies (Discos), separate protests, have threatened to cut the electricity supply across the country over proposed privatisation of the companies.
Addressing on the occasion, the workers’ leaders said that the proposed privatisation of Discos will not be allowed in any way and if the government does not change its policy, the workers will go on an indefinite strike.
Pakistan Hydro Workers Union Abid Circle Chairman Aleem Chaudhry and Circle Secretary General Munawar Jaam expressed these thoughts while addressing a protest demonstration of Mepco officials. They said that on the orders of Hydro Worker Pakistan Labour Union’s leadership, in MEPCO Circle Rahim Yar Khan, complete strike has been announced against the government’s policy of privatising Wapda and Discos.
Circle Secretary Munawar Jaam said that the privatisation policy will not be acceptable in any way, the strike will continue till the government announces to revoke the privatisation process completely. Else, he said, in the next phase complete supply can also be shut down. He asked all labour officials to remain united and do peaceful protest. He said that complete strike will continue as long as the government does not acclaim the demands of labours and revoke the privatisation.
Divisional Chairman Riazul Hussain, Divisional Secretary Chaudhry Ghulam Shabbir also addressed with the protesters while a large number of officials participated in the demonstration.
On the other side, the strike of Fesco employees against the proposed privatisation continued for 11 consecutive days on Tuesday in Kamalia, Gojra and Pirmahal.