Former Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto has expressed concern that Karachi could face
a power shut down if the regime was unable to initiate dialogue with the KESC Unions.
About 3000 KESC Workers have threatened a Protest March Against Privatisation of KESC in Karachi
because they were not co-opted in the privatisation discussions and policy. In retaliation, the KESC workers have warned, 'If the regime goes ahead with privatisation
then we will respond with a blackout ". In a statement today the former Prime Minster said that the threat means that entire city of
Karachi and its adjoin areas could plunge into power shutdown. She asked the regime to take immediate notice and begin negotiations with the KESC union. According to reports, the movement by Karachi electricity workers entered a new phase when
thousands of workers marched through the city centre carrying banners and placards stating 'Stop
KESC Privatisation' 'Privatisation will lead to raise in electricity prices'. There is fear amongst the unions that government corporation employees could lose their jobs
with privatisation. People have been committing economic suicides due to the increase in unemployment
and poverty levels since the popularly elected government of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was overthrown. The continuous neglect of governance has led to increasing frustration. Paramedical staff have
also demonstrated demanding pay rise. Meanwhile, regular newspaper workers are set to demonstrate
in front of provincial parliament against delay in pay raise. The PPP Chairperson said that the derailing of democracy was having deleterious effects on
the social and economic fabric of the country and called for the empowerment of the people through
their true elected representatives to ensure the political stability and well being of the country.
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