No redressal: WAPDA workers protest outside Governor House

Give five-day ultimatum to govt to accept demands.

PESHAWAR:

The All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union has threatened to cut off the entire country’s power supply if its concerns are not addressed by March 10.

A demonstration was organised outside Governor House on Sher Shah Suri Road on Thursday.

Protesters blocked the confluence of several arteries of the city, causing a traffic gridlock that lasted for hours. This was the third day of protests as Peshawar Electric Supply Company and Water and Power Development Authority offices across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa remained closed.

All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union Central Chairman Gohar Taj, K-P Chairman Haji Muhammad Iqbal, General Secretary Mustajab Khan, Deputy Chairman Ali Sayed and other leaders gathered outside the Pesco head office at Shami Road and marched towards Governor House where a sit-in was held.

Disgruntled protesters set fire to an effigy of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and chanted slogans against the federal government for turning a blind eye to their demands.

For the past several weeks the issues of bonuses, distribution units and privatisation of electric supply companies have reinforced the deadlock.

Speakers on the occasion said the government has refused to negotiate with the Wapda workers, adding protests will continue until the government bows down to their demands.

Rallies were also organised in Mardan, Swat, Chakdara, Timergara, Kohat, Karak and Bannu districts.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2015.