USC employees protested in Islamabad on Monday against the government’s plan to shut down Utility Stores Corporation (USC).
The protest led to the sealing of the Red Zone by law enforcement.
Despite increased security, employees held a sit-in outside their head office, voicing their concerns about potential job losses through chants and slogans.
Union leader Arif Shah stated that the protest, involving all employees, would persist until their demands to halt the closure are met.
Shah also criticised the government for not increasing salaries in four years and failing to regularise contract workers, while protesters demanded a 100 percent salary increase.
The industries secretary confirmed that the USC closure is part of a right-sizing initiative, with savings from the subsidy removal being redirected to tackle the energy crisis and reduce electricity bills.
USC operates over 4,000 stores nationwide, offering essential goods at subsidised rates. In preparation for the protest, capital police sealed off the Red Zone, leaving only one gate open for motorists and using shipping containers to limit access.