Metro Bus Service Restored in Rawalpindi After Protest; Negotiations Continue Between Sacked Workers and Management

ISLAMABAD: Metro Bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been restored after a protest by employees, while negotiations between the dismissed workers and the management are still ongoing.

According to details, employees staged a strong protest against sudden dismissals and non-payment of salaries, which led to a complete suspension of the Metro Bus service, causing significant inconvenience to thousands of commuters.

Protesters claimed that the Metro Bus administration had terminated around 150 to 200 employees without any prior notice, and salaries for the past two months had not been paid. They further stated that the dismissals began on May 1.

During the protest, dismissed employees gathered at the IJP Metro Bus Station and later entered the Metro Bus track, chanting slogans that halted the service. Female employees also participated in the demonstration.

The protesters alleged that a new contractor had taken over the Metro Bus operations and removed existing staff to hire new workers, despite contracts being valid until 2027. Many of the affected employees had reportedly been serving for 8 to 10 years.

Heavy police deployment was made at the IJP Station and Ninth Avenue to maintain law and order, while several buses were parked near the station due to the disruption.

Following negotiations between police, management, and the protesters, the Metro Bus service was restored. Talks are continuing at I-9 police station, where workers are demanding immediate payment of salaries and reinstatement of jobs.

Authorities have assured the protesters of addressing their concerns, but the employees have insisted on written guarantees and continue to remain at the protest site until their demands are formally accepted.