Some seven workers of Pakistan Railways have been issued notices, along with the charge sheet, accusing them of inefficiency, anti-state activities, neglect of duty and “gross-misconduct”, under Removal From Services (Special Power) Ordinance-2000.

Sources in Pakistan Railways feared that this might lead to the termination of these workers from their services because the notice clearly states that any official inquiry is not necessary and that the punishment could well be their dismissal from services, under section-3 of the ordinance.

Many of the workers The News talked to called this act “an attempt by the authorities to crush their struggle to demand for their rights”.

They also feel that these notices are unjustified because they continue to perform their duties and working as long as 12 hours while they are on protest.