The All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union has called upon the prime minister to protect the legitimate right to access free electricity. They have also insisted on reducing the exorbitant electricity costs imposed by private thermal power plants, which have substantially increased their prices to the detriment of the nation.
Carrying national flags and banners to support their demands, the workers have urged the Prime Minister to intervene in addressing the safety concerns of line staff, who have been facing both fatal and non-fatal accidents due to a recruitment ban in effect for the past six years.
The union leader pointed out that while FIRs have been registered against electricity thieves, none of the accused have been brought to justice. He emphasized the need for security measures to prevent electricity theft and ensure the safety of workers.
Khurshid Ahmad, the union’s secretary-general, highlighted that WAPda has been supplying electricity to Distribution Companies (Discos) at a rate of Rs. per unit, while private thermal power plants are charging over Rs. per unit. The private thermal power plants have been billing more than £ per unit and charging over $3,000 per hour.
The union has also raised concerns about the limited time available to workers to file FIRs against electricity thieves and the inadequate penalties imposed on them. They are requesting an extension of the time frame for taking action to curb electricity theft.
Additionally, the power companies have not been given sufficient time to remove electricity from their premises, and the workers are demanding more efficient measures to address this issue. They wish to retain control over their time, safeguard their own electricity, and avoid penalties imposed by the power companies for time-related issues.
