LAHORE: The power sector workers on Tuesday demanded the prime minister to order the withdrawal of the decision to impose a ban on trade union activities in NTDC, Discos and Gencos by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control and the Ministry of Energy (Power Division).

“We urge the PM to review the decision made by Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control and Ministry of Energy (Power Division), as the lawful activities of the unions, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan under Article 17 and ILO Convention No 87 on freedom of association and Convention No 98 on right to organise and collective bargaining, are allowed in our country,” said labour leader Khurshid Ahmad at a press conference here at Bakhtiar Labour Hall.

“It is the government’s responsibility to ensure implementation of Article 17 of the Constitution and provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 2012. The government of Pakistan ratified the ILO Convention No 87 and 98, whereas the prime minister himself recognised that the Ministry of Energy, Discos electricity staff have been performing an exemplary role in the recovery of the electricity dues,” he added.

The workers, according to him, have been performing their duties, risking their lives and falling victim to tragic workplace accidents.

He said the line staff has been forced towork in double shifts due to an acute shortage of workers since no recruitment has been allowed for the last eight years.

While old hands are retiring, the quantum of work has been rising day by day, he added.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2025