Azad Kashmir: Public Works Department Employees Begin Strike for Their Rights

Public Works Department (PWD) employees have taken to the streets in protest against the government, warning of a complete strike across Azad Kashmir if their demands are not met.

According to details, protesting employees have launched a work stoppage strike, waving red flags as they raised their voices for their rights. They have demanded the regularization of contract and ad-hoc employees, upgradation of pay scales, and risk allowances for hazardous areas. The protestors emphasized that the government must fulfill these demands immediately.

PWD Workers’ Union leaders stated that despite harsh weather conditions, including rain and snowfall, all operators, laborers, helpers, and other employees have halted road restoration work. Due to the strike, the repair of snow-affected roads has been delayed, causing significant difficulties for the public. The protestors further warned the government that if their charter of demands is not fulfilled, they will continue their strike indefinitely across Azad Kashmir.

In Neelum Valley, PWD employees work in challenging mountainous terrain to restore roads, yet they remain unregularized and deprived of essential benefits. Protestors also alleged that vacant operator positions in Neelum were filled with employees from Muzaffarabad, who are now drawing salaries without actually working, while temporary ad-hoc workers are left to handle road clearance in extreme snowfall.

Furthermore, despite the Prime Minister’s announcement of salary increments and additional benefits, the employees are still waiting for implementation.