Hazesco workers move PHC to seek relief for consumers

MANSEHRA: The Hazara Electric Supply Company (Hazesco) Workers’ Union has filed a petition in the Abbottabad Circuit Bench of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), seeking relief in electricity tariffs for consumers across the Hazara Division.

“We have filed a writ petition in the high court demanding that the company’s Board of Directors and employees up to Grade 16 should be appointed from the Hazara Division, and to seek relief in electricity tariff for the consumers,” Jamil Tanoli, chairman of Hazesco’s Workers’ Union told reporters on Thursday.

He said that their legal counsel Sabir Tanoli advocate had moved the petition to the Abbottabad Bench, which has been accepted for hearing.“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has notified the establishment of the company, but some technical issues remain unresolved and we aim to address these issues soon to benefit both domestic and commercial consumers in the division,” Tanoli said.

The chairman of Hazesco/WAPDA Union urged the federal government to separate Hazesco’s account and assets from the Peshawar Electric Supply Company for the smooth sailing of the former. “Wapda should first determine the electricity quota for consumers in Hazara Division under a set formula to ensure an uninterrupted power supply,” he added.

He further stated that they had approached the court to ensure that the royalty from hydropower projects (dams) was regularly paid for the development and welfare of the people, as mandated by the Constitution.

“We have been struggling to secure all benefits that are the legal and constitutional rights of the people in this division and this is why we have moved the court,” Tanoli said.