Factory workers, labourers protest against inflation

MULTAN: Factory workers and labourers Thursday staged a protest demonstration at the industrial estate against inflation.

The protest was organised by South Punjab People’s Labour Bureau and its leader Malik Ashiq Bhutta urged the government to ensure implementation on labour laws and protection of labour rights. The protesters with red flags blocked Sher Shah Road and raised slogans against price-hike of commodities and inflated bills of electricity and gas.

Talking to reporters, the protesters said the people of low-middle class and the poor are now unable to buy wheat, sugar and other necessities. The protesters criticised the fiscal policies of the government, saying the masses are leading miserable life because of wrong policies of the rulers, who have snatched bread from workers. Bhutta said the rulers should resign because they have failed in controlling inflation. He accused the rulers of wheat flour crisis in the country. The protestors demanded reopening of closed industrial units and eight-hour duty routine for all workers. Labour leaders Mehboob Kashmiri, Abdur Rehman Baloch, Ghulam Yasin, Iqbal Labar and other also spoke.