Up in arms: Workers protest against WAPDA’s privatisation

Labour union general secretary says PM will go back on earlier promises

SWABI/ NOWSHERA/ PESHAWAR/ BANNU/ TIMERGARA: Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Hydro Electric Workers Union took to the streets in Peshawar, Timergara, Swabi, Bannu and Nowshera over the government’s decision to privatise the company. However, no such decision from the Centre has been announced as yet.

Employees of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) and Wapda held a rally outside Peshawar Press Club and threatened severe consequences if the federal government privatised Wapda. They urged the federal government to merge all power distribution companies in the country into Wapda.

Mustajab Khan, the union’s general secretary, told The Express Tribune Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had vowed not to privatise Wapda and introduce reforms in the authority instead. “However, the premier [appears to have] forgotten his promise to us.” According to Mustajab, privatisation would increase unemployment and lead to tariff that will affect the public and the country’s economy.

Across districts

In Timergara, Wapda offices remained closed and many employees went on strike. A speaker at the rally said the decision will be tantamount to the “economic murder of employees”. Wapda employees in Swabi also took to the streets. Protesters said these plans would deprive employees of their livelihood.

In Bannu, Wapda offices remained closed amid protests against the government. They insisted privatisation at any level was unacceptable and urged the government to provide incentives to work effectively and efficiently.

Wapda employees in Pabbi and Nowshera said the move was merely a bullying tactic on the part of the government and should be resisted at all costs.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd,  2016.