Suthra Punjab Workers Protest in Chishtian Over Unpaid Salaries and Alleged Wage Deductions

Chishtian: Workers employed under the Suthra Punjab Programme staged a protest at Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Chowk in Chishtian against delayed salary payments and alleged wage deductions, demanding immediate intervention from the Punjab Government.

The protesters claimed they had not received their salaries on time for the past two months and alleged that up to Rs. 15,000 was being deducted from their monthly wages. They also said they were not paid a bonus on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, leaving many workers facing severe financial hardship.

The workers further alleged that they were threatened with dismissal by the operations manager whenever they raised concerns about their salaries and employment rights. They said the continued delay in payments had created serious financial difficulties for many families.

Despite working in extreme summer temperatures to keep the city clean, the workers said they were being denied timely compensation for their services. They appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take immediate notice, ensure payment of all outstanding salaries, and initiate action against those responsible.

Responding to the allegations, Suthra Punjab Agency contractor Mian Muhammad Shafiq said that the Punjab Government had not yet released funds for June, while 30–50% of payments for April and May also remained outstanding. He assured that all pending salaries would be paid as soon as the funds were received.

He further clarified that any penalties or salary deductions were imposed by Facility Management Officers (FMOs)appointed by the Punjab Government, not by the contractor. According to him, the pending funds are expected to be released by 10 July, after which the salary issue is likely to be resolved.

Source: Chishtian.pk