The National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) in Peshawar, Pakistan has suspended a controversial government order that imposed a ban on trade union activities in Pakistan’s power sector. The ruling is applicable across the nation.

Through an order on 26 January 2025, the Government of Pakistan imposed ban on Trade Union activities in electricity sector by exercising powers under Section (3) of the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952. This prompted the All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electricity Workers Union (APWHEWU), a PSI affiliate, to challenge its legality before the NIRC.  

During the hearing in February, the court accepted the union's plea for interim relief and ordered the suspension of the government order, practically allowing the union activities to continue without any restrictions. The court acknowledged the union’s argument that the notification potentially violates workers' fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.  

During another hearing on 10 March 2025, the court upheld its previous stance, permitting the union to continue its activities. 

The NIRC’s decision comes amid rising concerns over labour rights in essential services sectors, with union leaders calling for sustained pressure on authorities to ensure the protection of fundamental worker freedoms. 

APWHEWU is Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) in WAPDA and plays a crucial role in negotiating workers' demands with the management.  

Abdul Latif Nizamani, President of APWHEWU, hailed the ruling as a crucial step in safeguarding labour rights. "This decision is a victory for workers who have been denied their right to organise and collectively bargain. We will continue to fight against unjust restrictions on union activities," Nizamani said. 

Pakistan authorities have been pushing for privatisation of the electricity sector. The workers and the Unions have been at the forefront in the fight against privatisation, warning that privatisation would deteriorate working conditions and negatively impact service delivery. Banning union activities is a tool to supress resistance and pave the way for privatisation. In this context, APWHEWU’s efforts and the court’s ruling mark a significant victory against the privatisation of the electricity sector. 

The APWHEW Union has appealed to Trade Unions globally to help protect workers' rights, especially in the face of privatisation efforts that threaten job security and working conditions.