WAPDA: Employees in Hangu, Swabi continue protest

Workers marched through various areas before gathering outside DC’s office

HANGU/SWABI: Wapda employees in Hangu and Swabi took to the streets against the privatisation of the power utility.

In Hangu, a large number of employees held a rally led by Hydro Union Divisional Chairman Hayat Bangash from Wapda House to the DC’s office. They marched through various routes in the district and shouted slogans against the privatisation policy and the federal government.

The employees announced they would continue to protest till plans to privatise the company were shelved. The rally turned into a public gathering outside the DC’s Office as PTI and ANP workers turned up to show solidarity with Wapda officials.

A large number of speakers said government institutions were pillars of the state and the regime should not knock them down as it would destabilise the country.

They maintained Wapda employees would never accept the privatisation of the authority and urged the government to take back its decision. Protesters said the failure to retract the decision would result in increased agitation.

Agitation in Swabi

Wapda employees in Swabi also observed a strike against the privatisation policy. Metre readings were halted and there were no officials on duty for billing and recovery.

A large number of employees said they would not accept the privatisation of their department saying the policy was a form of economic murder. The workers said they were willing to render any sacrifice for their rights.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2015.