PWD employees detained for protest against downsizing

ISLAMABAD: Over a dozen employees of the Public Works Department (PWD) were arrested on Tuesday for blocking roads during a protest against the government’s decision to downsize and dismantle certain government departments, including PWD.

Hundreds of PWD employees staged a demonstration near the PWD office, protesting the government’s policies and voicing concerns over the potential loss of jobs. The protest escalated as employees blocked key roads, causing major traffic disruptions in the area. According to police sources, efforts were made to negotiate with the demonstrators to peacefully disperse and clear the roads. However, the negotiations failed, and the protesters refused to back down. In response, the police decided to take action to restore order and reopen the blocked roads. The police resorted to using force, including baton charges and the firing of tear gas to disperse the protesting crowd. As tensions escalated, around 17 protesters were arrested and taken to nearby police stations for further processing. The demonstration and subsequent police action resulted in chaos, with commuters facing long delays. The protest highlighted employees’ dissatisfaction with the government’s decision, fearing mass layoffs and uncertainty of their future livelihoods. Further developments are awaited as PWD employees continue to push back against downsizing measures.