Large-scale protests by sanitation workers employed under the Punjab government’s flagship Suthra Punjab programme caused severe traffic disruption across Lahore on Wednesday, as workers demanded the immediate payment of outstanding salaries, the release of a promised Eid bonus, and the resolution of other employment-related grievances.
Roads Blocked, Commuters Stranded
Groups of workers gathered at major intersections and blocked key roads, triggering hours-long traffic congestion across several parts of the provincial capital. Long queues of buses, cars, motorcycles and rickshaws were reported as thousands of commuters remained stranded while traffic wardens struggled to manage the gridlock.
Protesters said they had repeatedly raised concerns over delayed salaries, unpaid benefits and deductions in wages but claimed their complaints had not been resolved despite assurances from the authorities. They maintained that they would continue their demonstration until a clear timeline is provided for the payment of outstanding dues and the implementation of promised benefits.
Growing Scrutiny of Suthra Punjab Programme
The demonstrations come amid growing scrutiny of the Suthra Punjab initiative, a flagship sanitation programme launched by the Punjab government to improve waste management across the province. While the project has been credited with strengthening cleanliness operations and providing employment to thousands of workers, labour-related complaints have increasingly surfaced during its first year.
Workers and labour representatives have alleged delays in salary payments, contractual disputes and other workplace concerns, while critics have also raised questions about the programme’s financial management. The provincial government has rejected allegations of irregularities.
Government Response
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari dismissed reports suggesting a province-wide breakdown in sanitation services. In a statement shared on X, she said cleanliness operations were continuing normally across Punjab, particularly in Lahore, and pointed to the sanitation arrangements during Eid-ul-Adha and Muharram as evidence of the programme’s effectiveness.
Addressing concerns over the Eid bonus, Bokhari said a limited number of workers had expressed reservations regarding the payment process. She stated that the Suthra Punjab administration immediately held talks with the affected employees, assured them that bonuses would be paid in accordance with the policy, and resolved the matter. She added that sanitation operations had continued without interruption.
Programme Scale and Transparency
The minister described Suthra Punjab as one of the world’s largest waste management programmes, saying it provides employment to around 180,000 families. She said workers are being paid at least the minimum wage and that the project is monitored through a transparent digital system designed to safeguard employee welfare and operational accountability.
Bokhari also alleged that certain elements were attempting to spread misinformation about the programme, while insisting that workers’ representatives and unions continue to cooperate with the Punjab government and the Suthra Punjab administration to ensure uninterrupted public services.
Ongoing Negotiations
Despite the government’s assurances, negotiations between officials and protesting workers were continuing, with demonstrators insisting they would not end their sit-in until their salary and bonus demands are fulfilled.
