Suthra Punjab Worker Allegedly Dies by Suicide After Wage Dispute and Contractor’s Alleged Mistreatment
Gujranwala: A sanitation worker employed under Punjab’s “Suthra Punjab” initiative has allegedly died by suicide in Gujranwala after reportedly facing unpaid wages, financial hardship, and alleged mistreatment by his contractor.
According to reports, the worker, identified as Zeeshan, had been hired under the Suthra Punjab campaign. He claimed that although his employment order stated a monthly salary of Rs40,000, he was verbally offered Rs20,000 and was allegedly paid only Rs19,000 despite performing his duties diligently.
Reports further state that Zeeshan had protested before the authorities several months ago, demanding payment of his full salary.
According to the allegations, when Zeeshan later asked the contractor to pay his outstanding wages amid rising inflation and financial difficulties, he was allegedly dismissed from his job, publicly insulted, verbally abused, and pushed by the contractor.
Unable to cope with the loss of employment, financial pressure, and the alleged humiliation, Zeeshan reportedly took his own life.
The incident has sparked anger among residents and social activists in Gujranwala, with calls for a thorough investigation and strict action against those found responsible.
Protests in Lahore
Meanwhile, sanitation workers associated with the Suthra Punjab campaign staged protests at several major locations in Lahore, demanding the acceptance of their grievances.
Protesters blocked Ferozepur Road near the Arfa Karim Software Technology Park, disrupting traffic on the route leading toward Kalma Chowk. Long queues of vehicles formed, causing inconvenience to commuters and public transport passengers.
Earlier, workers also staged demonstrations near the Quaid-e-Azam Interchange on GT Road and at Shauq Chowk, where traffic remained heavily affected. Traffic police deployed additional personnel to manage congestion and restore the flow of vehicles.
Police and government authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations surrounding Zeeshan’s death.
