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DERA ISMAIL KHAN , Jun 02 (APP):The employee union of the Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Dera Ismail Khan has urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government and relevant authorities to accept their legitimate demands, including the Eid bonus and the restoration of the 20% deputation allowance.
In a joint statement issued, WSSC-DI Khan Employees Union Chairman Ghulam Abbas, President Muhammad Latif, and General Secretary Bilal Hussain called on the provincial government to immediately reinstate the benefits that were withdrawn and to extend support to low-income workers through welfare initiatives.
Union President Muhammad Latif emphasized the urgent need to restore the 20% deputation allowance, stating: “This allowance was previously granted to employees in recognition of their additional responsibilities and institutional demands. Its discontinuation has placed a significant financial burden on staff, especially amid rising inflation. We strongly urge the government to reinstate this allowance without delay to ease workers’ financial strain and enable them to continue their duties with greater dedication.”
Latif also appealed for the activation of the Zakat and dowry fund to assist the daughters of underprivileged employees, noting that similar efforts by the Department of Zakat and Ushr have proven commendable. “We request that the WSSC management engage with relevant authorities to facilitate financial assistance for the marriages of employees’ daughters and initiate scholarship programs for the children of staff to help them pursue uninterrupted education,” he added.
Highlighting the lack of support in cases of serious illness or death during service, the union president expressed concern over the absence of insurance and emergency relief mechanisms. “This is a fundamental human and institutional responsibility. We demand that an insurance policy be introduced and a comprehensive emergency relief package be announced to provide timely support to affected families,” he stated.
Latif stressed that WSSC employees remain committed to public service throughout the year, regardless of festivals or emergencies. “Whether it’s Eid, Muharram, Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), Christmas, Diwali, or local fairs, our workers serve tirelessly. Yet, their efforts often go unrecognized in terms of basic rights,” he said.
General Secretary of WSSC-DI Khan Employees union, Bilal Hussain echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that sanitary workers, clean water supply staff, and other operational personnel continue to perform their duties diligently under harsh conditions, including extreme heat and rainfall. “In such circumstances, denying even a modest relief such as an Eid bonus would be deeply unjust,” he said.
“Eid is a joyous occasion, but many of our workers, due to low salaries and high inflation, are unable to celebrate it fully with their families. Ensuring the disbursement of the Eid bonus would be a meaningful gesture of appreciation and morale-boosting.”
The union leaders acknowledged the positive role of WSSC CEO Dr Mohsin Habib for his professional approach and efforts for institutional development, and also appreciated Board Chairman Naimatullah Khan for his administrative insight. They commended MNA Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur and Tehsil Mayor Umar Amin Khan Gandapur for their dedication to local development, while expressing hope that Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, will also give special attention to employee welfare.
The union appealed to all relevant authorities, particularly the Chief Minister, to approve the demands at the earliest, including :immediate payment of Eid bonus to all WSSC employees, Restoration of the 20% deputation allowance, Activation of the Zakat and dowry assistance fund, provision of comprehensive medical facilities, provision of an insurance and emergency support package
The union concluded that these measures would not only reduce the financial hardships faced by employees but also enhance their motivation and productivity. The Chief Minister was also requested to consider a special grant to ensure all WSSC employees, particularly low-income sanitation workers, can celebrate Eid with their families in dignity.