WAZIRABAD - The workers’ strike on the call of the Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Central Labour Union (PWHECLU) and the Gepco Engineers Association has entered fifth day here against the proposed privatisation of the Authority.
All the Wapda offices remained closed and locked while the workers and engineers of the Wazirabad Division staged a sit-in on the premises of Grid Station. PWHECLU Divisional Chairman Muhammad Arshad Kang, SDOs including Engineer Habibullah, Abdul Qayyum Bhatti, Tariq Ali Barodo, Moazzam Ali, Asghar Ali: Union vice-chairman Rana Muhammad Shafiq, Muhammad Jameel Cheema, Shafiq Rana, Iftikhar Ahmad Butt, Anees Ahmad , Naeemur Rehman and other leaders addressed the gathering.
They said that the Army was fighting on borders to save the country and Gepco employees were in field to save the department. They added, “No East India Company like policy would succeed in Wapda. They said that appointment of a private chief executive in Gepco was a first step towards selling of Gepco and down=sizing as well.
“Construction of dams is not being allowed and, .on the other hand, conspiracy to occupy Wapda and destruction of country’s economy is being hatched, they said. “Save Wapda means save Pakistan. Gepco employees will not allow anyone to weaken the department. The government should review its policy of privatization of Wapda. Fake degree holders will not be allowed to overcome the real degree holders.”
They also announced that the protests would continue till Thursday and offices would remain locked. Next strategy will be announced after first phase of strike and protest, they added.