Workers’ Action Day Protest

Thousands of employees from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) staged a large protest in Islamabad against the proposed privatisation of power distribution companies, rising inflation, and deteriorating working conditions. The protest was organized by the All Pakistan Federation of United Trade Unions (APFUTU) and led by its Secretary General, Comrade Zia Syed.

Over 15,000 workers from across the country gathered at the National Press Club, joined by employees from nearby WAPDA offices. The protesters carried banners, placards, and flags denouncing the IMF agenda, economic mismanagement, and anti-labour policies.

Key Demands and Concerns:

 Immediate halt to privatisation of profitable entities like IESCO, FESCO, and GEPCO.

 Filling of over 60,000 vacant posts in WAPDA to address dangerous staff shortages.

 Job quota enforcement for employees’ children.

 Protection from criminal gangs during field duty.

 Action against electricity theft and reforms in the power sector.

Comrade Zia Syed strongly criticized the government's Capacity Payment Agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), calling them a major contributor to the ongoing economic crisis. He explained that:

“Even if electricity is not purchased, the government is still obligated to make full payments to IPPs in dollars. Currently, only 47.9% of the electricity generated by IPPs is actually used, yet 100% of the payments are made. The depreciation of the rupee has made the burden even heavier.”

He warned that continued privatization and anti-worker policies were creating a climate of fear and frustration among the workforce, citing recent fatal accidents due to overwork and understaffing — including deaths in Sialkot, Attock, and Islamabad.