Metro bus workers call off protest in twin Cities

The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Service resumed after employees ended a protest that had halted operations.

Workers staged a sit-in on the metro track to protest recent dismissals and suspended the service, causing major disruption for daily commuters. Female staff also joined the demonstration and called for immediate action over job losses and unpaid salaries.

Protesters said their contracts run until 2027, yet many staff members were abruptly dismissed after the service contract was handed to a new company. They added that some employees have not received two months’ wages. Consequently, commuters faced travel chaos during peak hours and complained about being stranded or forced to use costly alternatives.

Moreover, the demonstrators demanded intervention from political leaders and asked Maryam Nawaz to take notice and help resolve the matter. Union representatives urged authorities to reinstate dismissed workers and to ensure pending salaries are paid without delay. Meanwhile, transit officials said they would review the grievances and discuss next steps with company management.

In response, metro management arranged talks with employee representatives and assured the public that service would resume once assurances were secured. The restoration of operations came after preliminary agreements and promises to begin formal negotiations over contracts and payments. Authorities warned that future disruptions would be handled under law while promising to pursue a fair solution.