Power project employees end sit-in

MANSEHRA: The labourers working on the Dasu Hydropower Project on Saturday called off their two-week-long sit-after an agreement with the company concerned.

“We have resolved all your outstanding issues in accordance with the country’s existing labour laws. Now, it is your responsibility to contribute to the timely completion of this mega energy project,” MNA Mohammad Idrees, the chairman of the National Assembly’s parliamentary committee, told representatives of workers after a meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office. The MNA held meetings with representatives of the Chinese company and Deputy Commissioner Upper Kohistan Tariq Ali Khan, after labourers had agreed to end their sit-in and engage in talks earlier this week.

“Once completed, this project will bring revolutionary changes to the lives of locals and help address the country’s electricity shortfall. We will not allow anyone to disrupt the smooth execution of this vital energy initiative. The Chinese nationals working on this project are our valued guests, and we must honour them at all costs,” he said.

According to the agreement, the Chinese company would pay a minimum wage of Rs36,000 per month to each labourer, and each shift would last 12 hours.

The company would also provide a 30-minute break during shifts for prayers and meals.

“The company will not dismiss any labourer as an act of retaliation for their participation in protests or sit-ins regarding their rights,” the agreement stated.

The agreement further binds the company and the workers to strictly adhere to all clauses and labour laws to establish lasting working relations in the national interest.