SWABI, April 25: The offices of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) will remain closed on Thursday across the district as a protest by the workers of the company against what they call irresponsible behaviour of their high ranking officials.

The decision was taken in a meeting held here on Wednesday with Pesco workers union divisional chairman Rawaiz Khan in the chair. Pesco workers from Tordher, Zaida, Topi, Swabi and other sub-divisions attended the meeting. The divisional secretary of the union, Saeed Ahmad, was also present on the occasion.

Mr Khan said about 15 days ago two linemen were electrocuted in Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate while installing power pylons. The SDO of the area was transferred immediately after the incident, he said, adding they had demanded an inquiry against him and compensation to the bereaved families.

Mr Khan said the linemen got killed in the line of duty so their heirs deserved compensation. However, instead of facing an inquiry the SDO managed to retransfer himself again to Gadoon, he added.

“It was a slap on the face of workers, who sought justice for the bereaved families. We would continue our struggle for rights. The workers have complete unity in their ranks,” he said.

The meeting decided that all officers in the district would remain closed as a protest against the behaviour of Pesco high-ups. No one could force them to join duty, Mr Khan said.

He said that it would be a peaceful protest. He said that they would chalk out future line of action if an inquiry was not conducted against the SDO.

POLICE POSTS: More police posts would be set up in Swabi and the facilities provided to the force would be upgraded, said Deputy Inspector General of Police Abdullah Khan.

He was addressing a police darbar here on Wednesday. District Police Officer Abdul Rashid and other officers were present on the occasion.

However, the DIG did not unveil the number of the proposed police posts. He said that Parmuli police post was upgraded as a police station and work on it would be started soon.

The DIG said that peace committees should help police in the district. He lauded the role of the committees and their efforts for keeping the environment peaceful.

Mr Khan said the routes linking Swabi with other districts should be guarded round the clock to prevent entry of criminals into the district. He asked police to win hearts of people as they could eradicate crimes with the help of masses.