Islamabad: A large protest demonstration was held by All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Workers Union (CBA) outside National Press Club against privatization of Power Distribution Companies including IESO, FESCO and GEPCO, shortage of staff, non regularization of contract employees and other anti laborers steps.

The protest rally was led by Regional chairman CBA IESCO Javed Iqbal Baloch, Deputy chairman Tariq Masood Niazi, Zonal secretary Malik Hussain Shaheedand others. Employees in large number from Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal , Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated in the rally.

The employees chanted slogans against implementation of IMF agenda. splitting national institutions, poor economic policies of government, privatization of power distribution companies, rampant inflation, unemployment and other problems facing WAPDA employees.

Javed Iqbal Baloch while addressing the demonstrators said government should refrain from privatization of power distribution companies. Thousands of posts are lying vacant in the institution which should be filled. IESCO is Pakistan No 1 company and its performance has remained matchless this year as well. GEPCO and FESCO too are rendering service to their consumers well. It is strange why the government is hell bent on handing over its priceless asset to private tycoons. The experiment of privatization of Karachi , Rawalpindi and Multan Electricity companies and thermal power houses has failed badly. Undue Posting and transfer of meter readers, and line staff to remote areas be suspended. All the temporary employees be regularized. Necessary funds be released for payment of outstanding dues to employees.

He cautioned if any attempt is made to privatize national institution then electricity supply to Prime Minister house, Aiwan-e-Sadr and palaces of the rulers will be suspended. . Over one lac employees of WAPDA will stage dharna outside parliament house.