Chitral, Jan 28, 2026: Residents of Chitral have submitted a formal memorandum to the chief justice of Peshawar High Court, the chief minister and other authorities to resolve a long-standing injustice faced by the district’s PEDO employees.
The memorandum stated that several young employees of the Pakthunkhwa Electric Power Development Organization (PEDO) have been working on a “work charge” basis since 2008, despite serving in some of the most challenging climatic and geographical conditions.
The employees continued their duties during heavy snowfall, extreme cold and life-threatening situations. Tragically, one employee lost his life in the line of duty, several others were injured, and some were left disabled.
The residents pointed out that employees out of Chitral districts were granted permanent status, creating what they describe as “clear discrimination” against the Upper Chitral workforce. The memorandum noted that these employees, now nearing retirement age, have limited alternative employment opportunities and continue to work without adequate pay, medical facilities, or risk allowances, even covering treatment and duty-related expenses from their own pockets.
Despite favorable judgments from the High Court and Labor Court, PEDO has delayed the implementation of these decisions, leaving the affected employees and their families in uncertainty for years.
The memorandum called for immediate permanent employment, equal service status with other districts, and improved salary, medical benefits, and risk allowances for the affected employees.
The residents expressed confidence that both the judiciary and provincial government will act swiftly and fairly to uphold constitutional and public interest.
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