Employees under the Labour Son Quota program at the Dera Bugti gas field staged a protest against the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), accusing the company of delaying job recruitment for the children of retired employees for over 12 years.
The protest, led by the Sankota Employees Union, took place on Monday. Families of retired employees blocked access roads to the company’s main gate for two hours, chanting slogans against OGDCL.
The protesters expressed frustration over what they described as repeated unfulfilled promises by successive governments. They alleged that despite numerous assurances, no recruitments have been made under the Son Quota program, leaving many families in dire economic circumstances.
Union President Razi Bugti said the delay in fulfilling promises has left many families in financial distress. “For years, we have been waiting for our children to be recruited. Every incoming government gives us false hopes, but the promises remain unfulfilled,” he said.
Protesters highlighted the economic challenges faced by their families. Many struggle to afford basic necessities, relying on loans that are no longer sustainable.
Razi Bugti called on Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum Wadira Mian Khan Bugti to intervene. “Our children are in desperate need of food and shelter. Loans from relatives have dried up, and there is no alternative employment opportunity in the region except this company. Our parents sacrificed for the success of OGDCL, yet their legacy is being ignored,” he said.
The demonstrators issued a two-week ultimatum, warning of district-wide protests if no progress is made.
As of now, OGDCL management has not issued a statement regarding the protest.