ISLAMABAD – Gas transportation from the Sui field in Balochistan faced disruptions for three weeks due to a protest by the CBA union following the termination of an employee accused of theft. The protest, which risked critical energy supplies to industries, power plants, and households, ended after the employee was proven guilty by a court of law.
The dispute began when Zeeshan Ghani, a non-management technician at Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), was dismissed after a transparent inquiry found him guilty of stealing scrap material. The union protested the decision, blocking entry and exit gates, detaining field management, and preventing 17 employees from leaving on a scheduled PIA flight, according to a PPL letter to the Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions (DGPC).
Despite initial resistance, the union eventually called off the strike. “The protest was unjustified,” admitted CBA Secretary General Ejaz, adding that the union distanced itself from Ghani upon learning of the court’s verdict.
The PPL management restored normal operations and continues to engage with the union to prevent further disruptions. Officials emphasized that upholding accountability and integrity remains a priority, with assurances given to the union about addressing any involvement of other personnel in the theft.
The Petroleum Division has underscored the economic risks posed by such unrest and the need for uninterrupted operations to ensure energy supply continuity.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
