ISLAMABAD: The federal government has devised a plan to prevent protests against the privatization of electricity distribution companies. The Essential Services Act has been enforced for all employees and unions of government-owned power distribution companies (DISCOs), the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC), and government-owned power generation companies (GENCOs).
Under the Essential Services Act, protests, strikes, and demonstrations are strictly prohibited. According to government sources, the act has been implemented for six months following approval from the federal cabinet, based on recommendations from the Power Division and the Ministry of Interior.
The decision comes amid concerns about potential protests from unions and employees of DISCOs, NTDC, and GENCOs. Any violation of the Act will lead to strict action. The government has approved the privatization of nine out of eleven government-owned power distribution companies and four power generation companies. In the first phase, the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), and Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) will be privatized.
