FAISALABAD, March 26: The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has banned recruitments in the Faisalabad Electricity Supply Company (Fesco) after an Election Commission of Pakistan order.

The development will stop the hiring of 500 people as daily wagers in Fesco. A couple of days ago, Wapda had recommended their recruitment in various categories.

A letter has been dispatched by Wapda authorities to Pepco, NTDC, Genco Holding Company, Gencos of I, II,III and IV, and chief executive officers of distribution companies that reads: “In light of policy instructions issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan pertaining to fresh recruitment, you are requested to kindly ensure that these inductions are religiously followed without any exceptions/deviations.”

On being informed of such appointments, the activists of the Wapda Employees Pegham Union of Fesco had staged protests on three consecutive days.

Rana Qasim, an office-bearer of the Pegham Union, said it was unwise that the federal government sent lists for unlawful appointments. He said the move could land the power sector in an outlandish situation. He said the former rulers of federal government had cancelled the weekly off of last Saturday only to appoint politically-recommended people.

He appreciated the move of the ECP and appealed to Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry to order a probe into the issue of illegal appointments.