Pakistan: Six-month ban on trade union activities in the energy sector!

The federal government of Pakistan is imposing a six-month ban on trade union activities within organisations in the electricity sector, with effect from 26 July 2026, pursuant to Section 3 of the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952.

This measure applies to all major public bodies in the electricity sector, including: distribution companies (DISCOs), generation companies (GENCOs) and the National Transmission and Distribution Company (NTDC). The government claims that the aim is to maintain an uninterrupted supply of electricity, ensure operational safety and prevent any disruption to an essential public service.

Trade unions affiliated to the All-Pakistan Federation of United Trade Unions (APFUTU) have organised demonstrations in several cities, including Islamabad, Multan, Kot Addu and Hyderabad. These are, in fact, anti-strike and anti-union measures designed to counter the struggles against the government’s privatisation plans for public electricity distribution companies. These privatisations would lead to job cuts, a weakening of workers’ protection and an increase in electricity tariffs.

The International Trade Union Network for Solidarity and Struggles supports Pakistani trade unions and demands respect for the right to strike throughout the world!