PESHAWAR, Jan 17: The NWFP chapter of the Pakistan Wapda Hydro-Electric Central Union on Thursday rejected the proposed privatisation of Wapda and announced to suspend power supply for three hours daily if their demands were not met within 15 days. Protesting over the proposed privatisation of Pesco and delay in filling vacant posts in Pesco, hundreds of Wapda employees staged a protest demonstration in Peshawar and a sit-in in front of the local press club. Leaders of Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Central Union (PWHECU) vowed they would not accept privatization of PESCO and would disconnect electric supply incase their problems not resolved within 15 days.

Addressing the employees of the power utility, provincial secretary of the union Gohar Taj said that workers would not allow Wapda’s privatisation, adding that they were ready to render any sacrifice to stop its privatization.

Condemning the government for delaying the filling of 2,900 vacant posts in Wapda, he called for appointing employees’ sons against the vacant posts and criticised the non-payment of off-day wages and postponing promotions.

The union’s provincial secretary said workers were determined to suspend the power supply if the problems were not considered seriously.

Haji Abdul Latif, provincial chairman of the union, urged the government to protect the employees against sabotage and terrorist activities and take measures for their protection.—PPI