February 4, 2025
By Dauran Baloch
QUETTA
“Balochistan is practically under an authoritarian regime,” says Professor Malik Abdul Quddus, President of the Balochistan Professors’ and Lecturers’ Association, expressing his anguish at the news of the Baluchistan government’s cancellation of the registration of 10 unions and associations.
The cancelled registration was put into effect by the government-run Balochistan Charities and Regulation Authority (BCRA) following a decision by the Balochistan High Court (BHC). The unions and associations that were working for the rights of employees and workers in Baluchistan have now been effectively banned.
Labour unions and associations play a crucial role in ensuring that employees receive better salaries, benefits, and social security, as well as providing a collective platform for workers to address their issues. But now with this move, workers are expected to face restrictions regarding legal assistance, collective bargaining, and their right to voice their concerns, which could directly impact their socioeconomic security.
As expected the decision has raised serious concerns about the representation and protection of thousands of employees’ rights.
Legislative Maneuvering
Professor Quddus while speaking to Voicepk said that labour unions, associations, NGOs and madrassahs in all the other provinces of Pakistan, were registered under the 1896 Act. Until recently, the same law was also enforced in Baluchistan, and all organizations were registered under the Small Industries Department. But the Balochistan Assembly suspended this Act and introduced the Balochistan Charities and Regulation Authority (BCRA) as its replacement.
Labor experts argue that such actions are an attempt to weaken workers’ unity and dismantle their collective struggle, while the government claims that the ban was imposed only on ‘organizations violating regulations’. The long-term effects of this decision could be significant, impacting workers’ rights and economic stability in the province.
Imposition of conditions
Under BCRA, all unions, associations, trade unions, and NGOs in Balochistan were directed to register under the new system.
The situation highlights two key issues: while the old 1896 Act remains in force in the rest of the country, Balochistan has been subjected to an entirely different legal framework, reinforcing the perception that the federal government and powerful forces have always treated Balochistan as a colony.
This legal shift imposed strict restrictions and conditions. Under BCRA, any union or association seeking registration had to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant department secretary. This was seen as an unjust condition, as unions and employees have a direct relationship with their departmental secretaries. How could a government officer approve an NOC for a union that actively campaigns for workers’ rights against the administration?
Professor Malik Abdul Quddus Kakar explains that the 10 organizations complied and registered under BCRA, while many others opposed it, arguing that the current system contradicts fundamental human rights, employee rights, and union freedoms. Recently, the government issued an order, under which even BCRA-registered organizations were de-registered, indicating that the government wants neither to maintain the old law, nor allow unions under the new system.
He describes this as a colonial-style policy aimed at completely suppressing workers’ and employees’ freedom, creating an environment where no association or organization can raise concerns about fundamental rights, labor issues, or institutional problems. He questioned, “If we are not allowed to speak in a democratic system, if we cannot hold press conferences, protests, or demand our rights, what alternative are we left with? Are they trying to silence us completely?”
He further stated that but employees and organizations are now aware of their rights. The “Baluchistan Grand Alliance” has been formed, bringing together more than 45 organizations to fight for workers’ and employees’ rights.
First the unions, then the associations
Malik Saeed Ahmed, General Secretary of the QESCO Union Baluchistan, told Voicepk that the court’s decision clearly states that these institutions ‘cannot form unions but may establish associations’.
He says that previously, the High Court had banned 62 unions, and with the latest decision affecting LEEDA Union, the total number of banned unions has now reached 63. In response, employees had established associations following court directives, but now, citing the same ruling, even these associations have been banned, which is an outright injustice to the employees and workers of Baluchistan.
“In other provinces, these same departments are fully functional with active unions that present their charters of demand, negotiate, and work towards resolving workers’ issues. However, in Baluchistan, restrictions are imposed on everything. Here, even laws are modified against us, and political maneuvering always targets our rights. Why are Balochistan’s workers constantly subjected to such discrimination?” he questions.
“Associations were created for workers’ welfare and rights protection, yet now they are being suppressed too,” he adds. “Across Pakistan, where workers have issues, unions are raising their voices. The latest crisis is now unfolding over pension reforms. More than 40 departments are being shut down, privatization is accelerating, and companies including QESCO and other are being pushed toward privatization.”
He pointed out that hospitals in Baluchistan recently saw doctors being arrested for their protests, and schools are also being privatized.
“When the government makes good decisions, unions, federations, and associations support them,” he said. “Our goal has always been to work together for the progress of the country and institutions. But when our rights are stripped away and we are prevented even from protesting about it, then it is pure injustice.”
Announcing a plan of action, he said, “We are mobilizing all organizations in Baluchistan and formulating our next strategy. We will take legal, democratic, and protest measures to protect workers’ rights. We will strongly resist the ban on our 63 unions and 10 associations. A Grand Alliance has been established, including labor organizations, associations, federations, and civil society.”
Malik Saeed Ahmed said, “We have also decided to raise our voices internationally against this injustice and have contacted the International Labour Organization (ILO). In our recent protest meetings, this issue was strongly condemned, and these protests have also been recorded in Islamabad. We will take legal action, we will not abandon the workers, and we will not remain silent against this injustice.”
Prominent labour rights activist, Comrade Nazar Mengal, seconded this sentiment and told Voicepk that the ruling class and the government were taking ‘anti-worker’ and ‘anti-employee’ measures under policies that primarily serve agreements made with international financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. These agreements push for privatization, downsizing, right-sizing, and pension reforms, ultimately replacing permanent employment with contractual hiring.
To enforce these policies, the government was taking steps to suppress unions and associations, believing that in banning representative trade unions, associations, and labor groups, workers and employees will be weakened.
“This is a grave mistake, as silencing unions will not erase workers’ grievances,” he said. “The government wrongly believes that by banning unions and dividing workers, they can achieve their goals. Already, 62 unions have been banned, and now more unions and associations are being targeted. This proves that the government aims to dismantle workers’ power so it can implement its economic and political reform agenda without resistance.”
Comrade Nazar Mengal declares that they will not back down.
“We will not accept any government agenda or policy that violates workers’ rights, suppresses freedom of expression, or deprives employees of their fundamental rights,” he announces. “This is a deliberate conspiracy to push all institutions in Baluchistan toward privatization. Unemployment is already a massive crisis, and these policies will only increase joblessness, leaving Baluchistan’s youth more vulnerable, desperate, and destitute.”