LAHORE: Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali has informed the representatives of All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union that all their ‘just’ demands have been accepted.

An assurance to the effect was given by the state minister during a meeting with union representatives at Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) headquarters on Wednesday.

The demands included payment of one-month basic pay as ex-gratia to Lesco, measures to ensure safe working conditions for the field workers, payment of Rs2.5 million as compensation to the dependants of workers who lost their lives while performing duty.

The minister informed the union representatives that the prime minister had lifted the ban on recruitment in Wapda in order to fill up the posts that had been lying vacant after retirement of senior personnel for years.

The government would also ensure safety of the staff deputed either to prevent or check electricity pilferage besides recovery of lawful dues.

Mr Ali also announced that Superintending Engineer Assadullah Khan, who was seriously injured by a criminal allegedly involved in electricity theft, would be given award.

All the accused found involved in attempt on the life of a dedicated officer would be brought to book and awarded exemplary punishment, he said.

Earlier, union general secretary Khurshid Ahmed and other office-bearers including Rana Abdul Shakoor, Osama Tariq, Mazhar Mateen, Haji Younus Kambo, Sajid Kazmi, Maqsood Ahmed, Chaudhry Iqbal, Zakir Shah and Sijjad Ahmed apprised the minister of the problems being faced by the workers, especially the increasing number of the fatal accident of line staff while performing their duties and shortage of the employees.

Published in Dawn, November 27th , 2014