Gilgit (PR): A delegation of Aawami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), under the leadership of its former Chairman Moulana Sultan Raess, visited the NATCO workers sit-in staged in Gilgit city against non payment salaries. The delegation included Jahanzeb Inqilabi, Zaheer Qasmi, Haji Jalil, and Meher Ali.
Addressing the protestors, Maulana Sultan Raees said that NATCO is an asset of Gilgit-Baltistan. He went on to say that, similar to how non-local capitalists have taken control of hotels, there are also efforts to gain control of NATCO by non-locals. He firmly stated that such attempts will be resisted at all costs, further added.
He said livelihoods of thousands of people are linked with the NATCO, and to protect it from potential destruction, it is imperative to introduce legal safeguards.
He further said any attempt of giving the wheat contract to any organization or person other than NATCO will be strongly opposed. “In the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) transportation network, NETCO should be given the opportunity, which will provide employment to millions”, further added Moulana Sultan Raees.
He provided assurance to the protesting NATCO workers that the Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee will remain stand with them until the government meets their demands. Vice Chairman of the Awami Action Committee, Jehanzib Inqilabi, and spokesperson Zaheer Qasmi also addressed the protest, reaffirming their full support for the NATCO workers.
