Call to halt privatisation of power Cos

LAHORE:All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union General Secretary Khurshid Ahmad has urged the government to halt the privatisation of profitable electricity companies in Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.

He emphasised that past privatisation efforts, particularly with IPPs and the private companies in Rawalpindi and Multan, failed to meet energy demands, leading Wapda to retake control. Wapda supplied electricity at Rs3.50 per unit, compared to the Rs50 to Rs60 paid to IPPs, resulting in financial strain on industries, agriculture, and consumers, he added.

The union also highlighted the severe staff shortages, lack of recruitment, and rising workplace fatalities. The government was appealed to prioritise worker safety, address electricity theft and uphold the principles of ILO conventions regarding workers' rights.