Non-payment of salaries sparks protests in Quetta

Hundreds of workers and employees stage sit-in at Edhi Chowk

QUETTA:

Non-payment of salaries and pensions to the employees of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (MCQ) and other Balochistan Municipal Committees sparked anti-government protests in Quetta.

On Wednesday protest rallies were held from Zarghoon Road, Municipal Corporation and White Road in Quetta on the call of Balochistan Labour Federation. Hundreds of workers and employees staged a sit-in at Edhi Chowk too demanding payment of salaries as soon as possible.

The leaders of Balochistan Labour Federation decried the anti-labour policies of provincial finance minister and secretary finance and announced they will continue the protest until the salaries of employees are released.

The employees of MCQ expressed displeasure over the unnecessary delay in approval of funds and chanted slogans in favor of their demands.

Three main processions led by Balochistan Labor Federation in Quetta were brought out from Zarghoon Road, White Road and Quetta Metropolitan Corporation which after passing through various highways culminated in the shape of a sit-in on Edhi Chowk.

Expressing his views against non-payment of dues, Balochistan Labor Federation President said that the negligence and incompetency of government has forced the government employees to stage protests and sit-ins to press for their demands.

He vowed to extend protest across the province if payment of salaries to these employees are not ensured on time.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th, 2022.