Visually impaired persons protest job cuts, urge govt to secure their livelihoods

Rawalpindi: Dozens of visually impaired individuals took to Murree Road near Liaquat Bagh on Tuesday, blocking traffic on both sides in protest against the Education Department's decision not to renew their employment contracts.

These workers, who have been employed in various capacities on a contract basis, saw their contracts expire on October 28. Despite their appeals, the department has shown reluctance to extend or regularize their jobs. The protesters demanded that their contracts be renewed or their positions made permanent, warning that they would not vacate the area until their demands were met.

A heavy police contingent arrived at the scene to restore traffic flow, but the demonstrators remained resolute, refusing to disperse. There were minor scuffles as police officers attempted to remove protesters from the road. Some protesters even climbed the Metro Bus Station (MBS) in an effort to make their voices heard.

Traffic remained suspended for over an hour, causing significant delays. The protesters, steadfast in their cause, remained on the streets as this report was filed. While talking to ‘The News’, the visually impaired demonstrators expressed their desperation, emphasizing the challenges they face in securing alternative employment. “We are blind; how can we survive without jobs?” they pleaded. “We urge the Punjab government to recognise our right to livelihood. If our demands are not addressed, we will stage a sit-in in front of Parliament House.”