Dock workers stage protest demonstration near Sindh Assembly

Karachi Port Workers Federation Pakistan (KPWFP) staged a protest demonstration in favour of their demands outside Sindh Assembly here on Wednesday. A large number of workers participated in the protest demo, led by Chairman Karachi Port Workers Federation Pakistan Noor Muhammad.
The protestors were holding placards and banners inscribed with their demands. The protestors wanted to march to the main gate of assembly, but police did not allow them to cross the Arts Council Chowarngi. Protestors scuffled with police who fired teargas shells on them. Later, the protestors staged a sit-in at the Arts Council Chowarngi.
Addressing the protestors Noor Muhammad said that Port Qasim was established in 1986 and 1757 post workers have been working there; however, no attention is being paid on their problems. He said this port had seven berths but due to gain some political and financial benefits three berths have been handed over to private parties, harming the interests of port workers.
Karachi Port Workers Federation is struggling for realisation of the just rights of docks workers, he said. Noor Muhammad demanded for transparency in utilisation of port workers fund adding that other genuine demands of the port workers, including the establishment of residential colonies for them should be accepted. He said that charter of demand that was presented on 15 November 2009 should be accepted.