Visually-impaired protesters demand govt jobs

Many complain they have not been paid for 4 months despite performing duties

LAHORE: Visually-impaired protesters from different parts of the province once again took to the streets on Monday to demand regular jobs and payment of salaries.

A large number gathered in front of the Lahore Press Club (LPC) and shouted slogans against the government. They blocked the main road in front of the LPC and this caused a traffic situation on Davis Road, Durand Road, Empress Road, Egerton Road and adjoining areas.



Speaking to The Express Tribune, a protestor from Okara, Muhammad Ali, highlighted that it was not the first time the government had compelled them to protest in favour of their demands.

“We are trying to be heard for the past three years, but the provincial government is not paying attention to our legitimate demands. The government had promised to provide employment on a permanent basis, but later we were hired on daily wages, which is unfair,” he maintained.

Another protestor, Naveed Ahmad, revealed that some of their representatives met with the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) on Sunday and he ensured them that their demand of permanent jobs would be met soon. However, their demand had not been fulfilled yet and they were forced to take the street to register their protest against the unjust behaviour of the government, he added.



Due to adhoc policies, the visually-impaired individuals complained they had not been being paid for the last four months despite performing duties in their respective departments. It had become really difficult for them to make ends meet in such circumstances, they added. Neither relevant deputy commissioners nor Social Welfare Department officials were paying any attention to their problems, they maintained.

Some protestors also alleged that government officials were trying to force them to suppress their voice.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2017.