Manan Mandokhail:
QUETTA: A large number of utility store employees staged protests across the country on Friday in response to the government’s consideration of shutting down all utility stores. The protests erupted shortly after the Ministry for Industries and Production (MoIP) Secretary Saif Anjum revealed during a Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production meeting that the government was deliberating the closure of utility stores, with plans to relocate the employees to other institutions.
Incident Overview
The protests, spearheaded by the Utility Stores Employees Union, gained momentum as employees expressed their outrage over the potential loss of approximately 60,000 jobs. Central leader Ghulam Haider Achakzai condemned the government’s decision, stating that nationwide protests would intensify, culminating in a major demonstration at D-Chowk in Islamabad.
Senate Standing Committee Meeting
During the Senate Standing Committee session, Senator Saifullah Niazi questioned the government’s plans regarding the future of utility stores. In response, MoIP Secretary Saif Anjum confirmed that discussions were underway to shut down these stores, citing the government’s desire to exit non-essential businesses. He argued that providing relief to utility stores stifles competition in the market.
