Utility Store Worker Commits Suicide After Losing Job

A daily-wage worker at a Utility Store in Abbottabad committed suicide after being unexpectedly dismissed, police confirmed. The deceased, Junaid Qureshi, worked at the store for 13 years before losing his job.

The federal government recently issued termination letters to 3,000 daily-wage employees, instructing them to vacate their positions immediately.

This move has triggered nationwide protests by workers’ unions, demanding the reinstatement of affected employees and the reopening of closed stores. Union representatives warned of sit-ins in Islamabad if their demands are not met.

The layoffs followed the government’s withdrawal of subsidies, which led to the closure of 446 Utility Stores, primarily in rural areas. Sources revealed that the shutdown targeted loss-making outlets, with further closures anticipated.

Reports indicate that last year, a plan to shut down 500 additional stores was under consideration.

Government subsidies on essential items such as flour, sugar, and cooking oil were discontinued in August 2024 due to financial constraints. Officials have maintained that the restructuring aims to reduce losses, though concerns over job security continue to grow.