Independent Report
Quetta | Jan 11, 2026:
Leaders of the All Pakistan National Workers Union, Utility Stores Corporation (USC) have demanded immediate release of the government-approved compensation package for employees affected by the closure of utility stores.
Union President Anwar Zaib Khan Swati and other central office-bearers stated that the shutdown has rendered over 12,000 employees jobless, while millions of poor citizens have been deprived of subsidized essential commodities. They recalled that the federal government announced a Rs19.5 billion package in September last year for permanent, contract, and daily-wage employees, but no payments have been made even after five months.
Union leaders warned that employees and their families are facing starvation-like conditions. They appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief Justice Yahya Afridi for urgent intervention.
USC Balochistan leader Wali Khan criticized the reported undervaluation of USC assets and urged reforms instead of closure, calling the situation a humanitarian crisis for thousands of families.
