The WAPDA Hydro Electric Union on Tuesday expressed strong opposition to the planned privatization of the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), with its leadership terming the entity a “golden goose” and questioning the government’s valuation of the profitable utility.
Led by Regional Chairman Sarfraz Hundal, a protest rally was held outside the Jhang Press Club to voice the union’s reservations against the proposed sale.
Addressing the protestors, Hundal asserted that FESCO’s assets are worth Rs 321 billion, while he cast doubt on the government’s privatization estimate of Rs 300 billion, which he termed “suspicious.”
Highlighting internal issues, the union leader demanded the government lift the nine-year ban on recruitment in WAPDA to address staff shortages.
He urged for the immediate hiring of additional line staff to reduce the severe workload on the existing workforce and save them from exhaustion.
A key concern raised was the increasing number of fatal accidents involving WAPDA personnel during the performance of their duties, for which Hundal demanded the implementation of immediate safety measures.
Regularizing contract and daily-wage employees was also presented as a key demand.
Citing a historical example, Hundal claimed that past privatizations of power distribution companies in Rawalpindi and Multan had resulted in failure.
He advised the government to prioritize the “broader national interest” by halting the sale of profitable state-owned enterprises, rather than succumbing to the demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In concluding remarks, Hundal presented an alternative proposal: if the management is incapable of running the power companies, they should be handed over to the control of their officers and employees.