Electricity workers observe Demands Day

LAHORE:Electricity and Wapda workers, under the banner of the All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union (CBA), observed 'Demands Day' nationwide with a large protest rally in front of Lahore Press Club. Carrying national and union flags, they demanded the government halt the proposed privatisation of profitable electricity companies—Iesco, Gepco, and Fesco—in the public best interest.

The workers highlighted that private IPP power companies supply electricity at Rs50 per unit compared to Wapda's Rs5.50 per unit. They also raised concerns about understaff citing a recruitment ban over the last 7.5 years despite increasing workloads and frequent retirements. They demanded immediate filling of 50% vacant posts, improving safety measures to prevent accidents, protection of pension rights, and the transfer of GENCO staff to other DISCOs. Union leaders, including General Secretary Khurshid Ahmad and other prominent representatives, warned that protests would be staged in Islamabad if their demands were not met. The rally called for the protection of workers' fundamental rights under the Constitution of Pakistan.