PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Labour Anisazeb Tahirkheli has assured that steps will be taken to restore the labourers dismissed by the Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) in Nowshera.

She also promised that efforts would be made for release of labour leader Ihsaunllah from jail.

She was talking to labour representatives, who called on her here on Monday.

The minister also summoned joint meeting of the said factory management, affected labourers, labour union leaders and officials of labour department on Wednesday (Nov 30) for finding a sustainable solution to the issue.

Keeping in view the sensitivity of the issue, Ms Tahirkheli also paid a visit to PTC Nowshera and met the company officials and labour leaders to appraise herself of the concerns of both the parties.

Following the assurance, the Muttahida Mazdoor Alliance called off their agitation. The alliance has been demanding release of their union leader Ihsanullah from jail and restoration of 144 workers terminated by the company.

The minister said instead of agitation, way of dialogue should be adopted for solution to the matter. She said Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and Qumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Ahmad Sherpao had directed her to find an amicable solution to the matter.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2016