I HAVE served the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) for over 16 years, faithfully performing the most neglected yet essential task of sanitation. And what I have received in return is mere deprivation.

I was appointed on June 27, 2009, as a part-time sanitaion worker under the employee’s son quota. In 2015, my status was formalised as a contract employee, with retrospective effect from April 21, 2014. My salary had been disbursed uninterruptedly till January 2025.

In February, I was told verbally that the relevant office orders were no longer valid. My letter to the relevant authorities got no attention. My repeated complaints to the Pakistan Citizen’s Portal were rejected with the simple remark that the salary had been paid. To whom, if I may ask?

Belonging to the minority Christian community, I happen to be the only breadwinner in a joint family. After 16 years of service, I find myself in a hand-to-mouth situation. My faith in the entire system stands shattered as I sit at home with darkness, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts taking the better of me on most days.

Will someone help me get my job status regularised once again, and have my pending arrears released? Anyone? Please.

Irfan Masih
Nankana Sahib

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2025