Sanghar (Hasnain Ashiq Saand) The Pakistan WAPDA Hydro-Electric Workers Union, Tando Adam Division, staged a protest rally and sit-in against the proposed privatization of WAPDA and to demand solutions to other long-standing issues.
Led by Divisional Chairman Noor Hassan Bhughio and General Secretary Akhtar Ali Kaloi, a large number of employees marched from the Divisional Office to the Press Club, chanting slogans against the government’s policies.
Addressing the gathering, union leaders including Noor Hassan Bhughio, Akhtar Ali Kaloi, Abdul Ghafoor Brohi, Manzoor Khaskheli, Shakeel Rajput, Irfan Malik, Ayub Kaloi, Muhammad Faheem Qureshi (Commando), Rustam Ali Magsi, Tahir Rajput, Ayaz Sheikh, Akbar Nizamani, Lal Kumar, Rajab Ali Bhughio, Abdul Ghani Nizamani, Shoukat Khask, and Om Parkash accused the federal government of acting on the directives of the IMF and World Bank, thereby oppressing thousands of workers and the public by pushing for WAPDA’s privatization.
They stated that the protest was being held on the directives of Central Chairman Abdul Latif Nizamani, and that the next course of action would be announced by the central president today. The leaders further criticized the government for freezing recruitment against vacant posts in WAPDA, saying the shortage of staff was creating serious work difficulties.
They also pointed out that while the government could issue notifications for salary increases for ministers and advisers even on holidays, it continued to ignore pay raises for WAPDA workers. The protesters demanded an immediate cancellation of the privatization plan, warning that demonstrations would continue until their demands were met.
