Pakistan’s worsening labour and economic crisis spilled onto the streets of Rawalpindi after more than 200 Metro Bus Service employees staged a major protest against unpaid salaries, forced dismissals and alleged exploitation by private contractors.

The demonstration disrupted Metro Bus operations between Rawalpindi and Islamabad for several hours after protesting workers blocked the bus track near Potohar and IJP stations, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during peak office hours.

According to the protesting employees, the crisis began after a new private security and service company took over Metro Bus operations earlier this month. Workers alleged that nearly 150 to 200 employees were abruptly terminated without prior notice, despite many having contracts valid until 2027.

The protesters also accused the administration of withholding salaries for March, April and May, pushing many workers into severe financial distress. Several demonstrators claimed they had served the Metro Bus system for nearly a decade and were the sole breadwinners for their families.

Female employees also joined the protest, carrying placards demanding immediate payment of pending wages, reinstatement of dismissed workers and an end to alleged arbitrary salary deductions. Workers claimed they were made to sign salary slips showing Rs42,000 per month while receiving only Rs37,000 after unexplained deductions.

The protest once again highlighted Pakistan’s growing labour unrest as inflation, unemployment and delayed wage payments continue to affect workers across multiple sectors. Critics say repeated outsourcing of public services to private contractors has created widespread job insecurity and weakened worker protections.

Protesters accused authorities of ignoring employee grievances for weeks despite repeated complaints. They warned that demonstrations could intensify if salaries were not cleared and dismissed staff were not reinstated.

The Punjab Mass Transit Authority reportedly held negotiations with worker representatives after operations remained suspended for nearly two hours. Officials later restored Metro Bus services, though employees insisted the dispute remained unresolved.

Analysts say the Rawalpindi Metro Bus protest reflects broader governance and economic failures in Pakistan, where delayed salaries, rising living costs and unstable employment conditions are increasingly fuelling public frustration. The incident has also raised questions over transparency and accountability in the management of publicly funded transport services.

Disclaimer : This image is taken from The Express Tribune.