Naushahro Feroze — Following the directives of Hydro Union Chairman Abdul Latif Nizamani and Nisar Ahmed Sheikh, workers of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO/SEPCO) staged a strong protest against the proposed privatization of WAPDA companies, shutting down local offices in Naushahro Feroze and locking their gates in a display of unity and defiance.
The protest, held outside the SEPCO divisional office, was led by Divisional Chairman Muhammad Farooq Kalhoro, along with Muhammad Yaqoob Aalmani, Liaquat Mashori, Sajid Hakro, Babu Qayoom Detho, Waheed Channa, Jareel Detho, Sajan Memon, Lala Mastoi, Jam Mohsin Sahto, and Ayyaz Malik, accompanied by dozens of labor union members and workers.
The demonstrators raised loud slogans against privatization, calling it an anti-worker and anti-public move. They argued that privatizing electricity companies would lead to large-scale job losses, exploitation of workers, and higher electricity tariffs, making life more difficult for already burdened citizens.
Union leaders addressing the gathering stated that WAPDA has always been the backbone of Pakistan’s power infrastructure, and that its privatization would compromise national interests. They emphasized that public sector institutions should be strengthened, not sold off under pressure from international lenders.
Chairman Farooq Kalhoro condemned the government’s plan, calling it an attempt to “hand over public assets to private profiteers.” He said that WAPDA’s employees have worked tirelessly for decades to maintain the national grid, often in harsh weather conditions and without modern facilities. “Instead of rewarding our service, the government is trying to snatch away our livelihoods,” he added.
The protestors carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans such as “Privatization is Economic Murder,” “Stop Selling National Assets,” and “Hydro Union Zindabad.” The demonstrators also demanded that the government immediately withdraw the privatization proposal and engage in dialogue with labor representatives to find alternative solutions for financial reforms within the energy sector.
Hydro Union leaders warned that if their demands were ignored, the protests would intensify and spread across Sindh and other provinces. They hinted at a nationwide strike that could disrupt electricity distribution if the authorities failed to address their concerns.
In a show of solidarity, labor leaders from various districts also expressed support for the movement, declaring that the working class will not allow the privatization of key public institutions. They maintained that WAPDA’s control must remain in public hands to ensure affordability and equitable access to power.
The demonstration ended peacefully but with a clear warning: unless the government reverses its decision, workers of SEPCO, HESCO, and other power divisions will escalate their campaign.
The Hydro Union’s anti-privatization movement reflects growing unrest among Pakistan’s public sector employees amid economic reforms and austerity measures linked to international financial conditions. For now, the message from Naushahro Feroze is clear — the workers will resist privatization at all costs.
