MEPCO employees hold protest rally

Says electricity is mandatory for agriculture, trade and industry, government must fulfill responsibilities

MULTAN: Employees of Multan Electric Supply Company (Mepco) organised a protest rally in the city on Friday against privatisation of power distribution companies.

The rally began from Mepco headquarters and reached Chowk Nawab Shehr where they observed sit-in for two hours. The Mepco employees observed complete strike and shouted slogans against the government.  The protesters blocked Khanewal Road, LMQV Road, Ghanta Ghar Road and Abdali Road. As a result of the protest, vehicles were stuck in a massive traffic jam for hours.

The protesters said that the government was trying to privatise companies rather than activating closed power plants.

They said the decision would render thousands of employees jobless and consumers would also face difficulties.

They warned if the decision to privatise Wapda was not taken back then countrywide protests will be held and power supply would be disrupted for indefinite period.

The protesters also demanded the government to reduce rates of electricity and take urgent steps to end load-shedding in the country.

They said electricity was mandatory for agriculture, trade and industry and it was the responsibility of the government to ensure provision of this facility.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2018.