Workers stage protest in Lahore against budget, 'cruel govt policies'

The Mazdoor Kisan Party and Punjab Rickshaw Union staged a protest against the federal budget at Dubai Town on Raiwind Road, with a large number of workers and rickshaw drivers participating in the demonstration.

Participants from both organizations gathered in significant numbers and presented a range of demands, raising slogans against what they described as “cruel government policies” and an “unacceptable budget.”

Protesters demanded a 50 percent increase in labourer salaries, arguing that rising inflation has made it difficult for working-class families to manage basic household expenses. They also called for a 60 percent reduction in petroleum product prices, saying fuel costs have directly impacted transport workers and daily wage earners.

Rickshaw drivers at the protest urged authorities to end what they termed mistreatment and overcharging of rickshaw operators, stressing that such practices were unfair and unsustainable for the transport sector.

Several union and political representatives attended the demonstration, including Advocate Shabbir Hussain, Punjab Rickshaw Union leader Uzair Bhatti, Punjab Rickshaw Union Lahore Central President Aamir Yousuf, Mazdoor Comrade Rafaqat and Mazdoor Party Lahore Finance Secretary Wajid Ali. Punjab Rickshaw Union Chairman Comrade Irfan Ali, Muhammad Malik Abdul Jabbar, Noman and others also participated.

Speakers at the protest strongly criticized government policies, with participants continuously chanting slogans against the federal budget and economic measures.