LAHORE: A number of workers staged a protest rally outside Bakhtiar Labour Hall against the government for privatising three profitable power distribution companies (Discos), namely Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco).

The workers, under the banner of the All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union, chanted slogans and expressed concerns at the proposed plan of privatising the companies. They said the private power companies were supplying electricity at the rate of Rs50 per unit while Wapda was supplying for just Rs5.50 per unit.

The workers pointed out that they had been performing their double duties at the risk of their lives for the last eight years on account of a ban imposed on recruitment. They said they must be provided with safety material for prevention of tragic accidents.

Speaking on the occasion, the workers’ leaders urged the electricity workers to refuse work in the absence of safety equipment and safe working conditions.

They demanded the prime minister raise wages of the workers employed in public as well as private sector just like the wages of ministers and MPs. They warned of giving a grand sit-in in Islamabad if their demands were not met.

The rally was addressed by union secretary general Khurshid Ahmad, and other representatives.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2025