Pakistan Energy Workers Call for End To Failed Privatization

WAPDA president Abdul Latif Nizamani told Dawn news “Privatisation is a curse. We all have to work together to keep things going well. Institutions of our country will progress only when electricity is cheaper.”

The introduction of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Pakistan demonstrates a familiar pattern that PSI has observed globally - private profit prioritized over public good. As highlighted by the union, electricity costs in Pakistan now exceed those in many comparable countries, while service quality has declined.

WAPDA has underlined how the power companies face a shortage of 80,000 workers, while lacking proper training and safety equipment. The government and private providers are still failing to implement minimum wage levels, agreed upon with the union.

This case adds to PSI's growing body of evidence showing that quality public-provided services, supported by strong labor rights and proper public investment, are a better alternative than the privatization.

The government has attempted to ban the WAPDA union - a PSI affiliate. Nazamani said the objective behind banning the union was to silence their valid criticisms, saying “we are neither purchasable nor the ones to yield to pressure. We have struggled in past and our struggle still continues”.

PSI General Secretary Daniel Bertossa said:

"We strongly condemn the government's attempt to ban WAPDA; a member union of Public Services International. The public has the right to know why their electricity costs are rising while quality of service is falling.

Privatisation has failed and instead of trying to silence critcism and ban unions, it's time the government invested in a quality public energy system, with better staffing and fairer working conditions."

PSI will be monitoring the situation and continues to stand with WAPDA in highlighting the failures of privatization and the need for a quality public electricity sector.