Workers of the Suthra Punjab programme in Nankana staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, demanding the release of their long-overdue salaries before Eid ul Adha.
The protest, which included male and female workers as well as supervisors, was held to draw attention to the severe delay in salary payments under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s flagship cleanliness initiative. Workers said that some of them have not received their salaries for as long as four months, while others are still waiting for two months of unpaid wages.
In a unique and symbolic display, the protesting workers carried their work tools — brooms, shovels and pails — in their hands as they gathered outside the DC office, making it clear that despite not being paid, they have continued to show up and do their jobs with dedication.
The workers formally demanded that Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Tasleem Akhtar Rao take immediate steps to arrange the release of their overdue salaries before Eid, so they can celebrate the festival with their families without financial hardship.
Despite the frustration over unpaid wages, the workers were also heard chanting slogans of “Maryam Nawaz Zindabad” during the protest — showing their continued loyalty to the programme and its founder.
After peacefully recording their protest and presenting their demands to the authorities, the workers dispersed without any incident and returned to their respective duties — a gesture that reflects their professionalism and commitment to their work despite the difficult circumstances.
