July 20, 2008	Sunday	Rajab 16, 1429

SUKKUR, July 19: A retired watchman of well No.50 of Mari Gas Field Daharki has threatened to commit self-immolation if his son was not reinstated on his job. He said his son was dismissed from service without any justification last month.

While talking to journalists outside the gate of Mari Gas Field, Parchi Rajar said that some 20 years ago gas was discovered in his agriculture field and according to the rules of the company, after purchasing the land, he was provided employment in the company.

Then he was deployed at well No.50 where he served for 20 years and retired.

He said that after his retirement, his son Gul Mohammad was provided job as a watchman. But after a few months, his service was terminated without assigning any reason.

Following the dismissal of his son, Parchi along with his family members went on hunger strike and held a protest demonstration in front of the gate of Mari Gas Field.

He told journalists that he had tried to meet the officers concerned but the security staff did not allowed him to enter.

He warned that he would go on indefinite hunger strike and threatened to commit self-immolation if his son was not reinstated.

An officer at Mari gas field told requesting anonymity that all lower cadre employees, including, watchman, cleaners, sweepers and others are provided job by the contractor.

He said the contractor was solely responsible for appointing and terminating any of his employees and the company has nothing to do with that.

He said that the company was not bound to provide employment to the owner of the land.