Suthra Punjab Worker Dies After Setting Himself Ablaze Over Alleged Salary Dispute

LAHORE: A worker employed under the Suthra Punjab programme has died from severe burn injuries two days after allegedly setting himself on fire in Gujranwala to protest the non-payment of his full salary. The deceased, identified as Zeeshan, reportedly took the extreme step outside a Suthra Punjab office after claiming that a contractor had refused to pay him his complete wages. CCTV footage reportedly shows him leaving the office after lodging a complaint, pouring petrol over himself in the corridor, and setting himself ablaze while staff members looked on. Colleagues immediately attempted to extinguish the flames and rushed him to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. According to officials, the contractor had allegedly been making illegal deductions from workers’ monthly salaries of Rs21,000, despite repeated complaints over several months. Sources said Zeeshan had pleaded that his children were going hungry and demanded payment of the full salary announced by the Punjab government. He had also reportedly warned that he would file a formal complaint with higher authorities if his wages continued to be withheld. Officials further alleged that he was manhandled and threatened with dismissal when he raised the issue. The tragic incident has renewed concerns over labour rights, contractor accountability, and the protection of workers employed under public service programmes.