ISLAMABAD, Aug 29: The People’s Rights Movement (PRM) representatives at a meeting with 10 trade unions of the twin cities on Thursday discussed the significance of Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), currently being prepared by the government.

The proposed downsizing in government agencies, such as Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan (ADBP), was highlighted as a result of conditionalities imposed by international institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank.

A press release issued by the PRM said the proposed PRSP indicated that the anti-poor policies characterized by sector adjustment agreement were being planned once again.

According to sources in the People’s Rights Movement, the participants of the meeting agreed to share information on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. They also discussed the prevailing political situation and the problems being faced by the workers. They condemned the Rangers’ operation in Okara against Anjuman-i-Mazarain Punjab.

The participants demanded that those responsible for ordering the attacks should be punished immediately. They also demanded to immediately ban corporate deep sea fishing to protect livelihood of small fishermen communities.

The meeting condemned the police action against ADBP employees last week. They were of the opinion that the state was engaged in intimidation tactics to clamp down on resistance and people’s struggle.

In this regard, it was decided that all the trade unions would jointly prepare a future strategy to protect their workers.

The unions attending the meeting also expressed their commitment to support the People’s Rights Movement.