Red Zone sealed again as Utility Stores employees protest against closure

ISLAMABAD: The capital’s high-security Red Zone has was once again sealed off with containers on Monday as employees of Utility Stores have announced to stage a protest against the government’s decision to shut down stores across the country.

Raja Maskin Ali, the union secretary general, said in a statement they would stage a sit-in at the D-Chowk in the federal capital on Monday and “will strongly resist the decision.”

This comes after the federal government decided to shut down utility stores and discontinue subsidies, triggering waves of anxiety among the over 11,000 employees, who have now threatened to go on strike.

Security was tightened around the sensitive area, with police and paramilitary forces deployed to prevent any breach.

Govt decides to shut down Utility Stores Corporation

Sources revealed that a comprehensive security plan had been chalked out with 13 points being identified where roads to the Red Zone would be blocked with 97 shipping containers. Sources revealed that a comprehensive security plan had been chalked out with 13 points being identified where roads to the Red Zone would be blocked with 97 shipping containers.

Of the 97 containers, 10 will be placed at ISI blockade (checkpoint), eight at Marriott Hotel, 26 at Express Chowk, two at Election Commission, eight at Nadra Chowk, one at Fata picket, eight at Serena Turn, 14 at Serena traffic signal Kashmir Highway and four at the Bari Imam T-cross.

Likewise, four containers will be placed at the road near Kohsar Block, two at Serena checkpoint, two at Globe Chowk while two will be placed at the Diplomatic Enclave gate.

The Utility Stores Corporation has been facing financial challenges for several years, with reports of mounting losses and inefficiencies. In an effort to curb these losses, the government recently announced the closure of underperforming stores, a move that has been met with fierce resistance from employees and labor unions. The employees argue that the closures will lead to mass layoffs and deprive millions of citizens of affordable essential goods.

The government has given a two-week deadline to close down the utility stores, prompting employees to start preparations for protest and strikes. Following the decision, all utility stores in Lahore have already been shut down.