The Suthra Punjab Contractors Association in Muzaffargarh has announced a strike from September 17 over unpaid dues for the past six months. The association said cleaning operations will be suspended if the outstanding payments are not cleared.

Provincial General Secretary Soheil Soharani said the government owes billions of rupees to contractors for machinery used in sanitation work across 21 tehsils of South Punjab. He said the unpaid amount has created serious financial difficulties for contractors managing waste collection and cleaning operations.

Government urged to release dues

Soharani said the Suthra Punjab administration and local authorities had repeatedly promised to release the payments. However, he claimed that no funds had been disbursed so far, leaving contractors waiting for the clearance of their outstanding bills.

The association has warned that it will not allow its machinery to be used until the dues are paid. This could affect the availability of sanitation equipment and disrupt waste management services in the areas covered by the contractors.

Cleaning operations face disruption

The contractors said the strike would begin on September 17 unless the government resolves the payment issue. The announcement comes as Punjab continues efforts to improve cleanliness and waste management through the Suthra Punjab programme.

The association has called for immediate action to settle the unpaid bills and restore normal operations. Further developments will depend on whether the government responds to the contractors’ demands and releases the pending payments.