Abbottabad/Okara: The political and social leadership of Hazara has launched a vigorous protest regarding alleged recruitments within the Hazara Electric Supply Company (HAZECO). Advocates for the rights of the Hazara people have raised serious questions directed at the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Qazi Tahir, labeling the recruitment process of over 118 individuals as “suspicious.” This issue is rapidly evolving into a major public movement across the Hazara region, fueled by allegations that the employment rights of local youth are being usurped.
A joint front—including Sohail Sher Khan Jadoon (former provincial assembly candidate from Basti Sher Khan), Sultan-ul-Arifeen Khan Jadoon (Central Chairman of Tehreek-e-Suba Hazara), Zulkarnain Khan Jadoon (Central Chairman of Hazara Qaumi Movement and Hazara Qaumi Mahaz), Shahabullah Khan Jadoon (Tehsil President of Awami National Party), and Kamran Ahmed Mughal (Senior Leader of PML-N)—has held press conferences and issued statements holding the HAZECO management accountable. The leadership maintains that the current recruitments completely disregard the rights of the local population.
Sultan-ul-Arifeen Khan Jadoon and Zulkarnain Khan Jadoon have demanded that CEO Qazi Tahir immediately present the full details of the 118+ recruits to the media. They challenged the administration, asking why details are being withheld if the recruitments were indeed based on merit and local representation.
Allegations Regarding High-Level Appointments
The most severe allegations involve the recruitment of officers in Grades 17, 18, 19, and 20. The leadership has questioned the CEO on:
The exact number of officers recruited for Grades 17 to 20.
The regional background/domicile of these officers.
Whether the rights of educated Hazara youth were violated in this process.
The leaders demanded that the names and domiciles of these officers be published in newspapers to distinguish truth from falsehood, noting that the people of Hazara are deeply aggrieved to see outsiders filling positions in a company meant to serve their own resources.
Exploitation of Scales 1 to 15
Another major objection concerns the recruitment methodology for Grade 1 to 15 employees. According to the Tehreek-e-Suba Hazara officials, the company’s charter and code of conduct mandate that these scales be filled by local candidates, which has allegedly not happened.
Most concerning is the “outsourcing” of these lower-level positions through contractors. This move has been described as “playing with the future” of local youth. Consequently, the WAPDA Hydro Electric Workers Union has taken legal action, securing a stay order from the High Court against this outsourcing. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 6, 2026, a date the entire Hazara region is watching closely.
Warning of Public Protest
Local youth, already struggling with unemployment, are increasingly frustrated by the lack of opportunities within their own region. Leaders including Sohail Sher Khan Jadoon, Shahabullah Khan Jadoon, and Kamran Mughal have warned that if the administration does not make the process transparent and stop ignoring the local quota, they will demonstrate the “power of the people.” They emphasized that the people of Hazara have made sacrifices for their rights in the past and are ready to do so again.
Demands for Resolution
Addressing CEO Qazi Tahir, the leadership stated that it is time to take notice of public grievances, as silence will only worsen the situation. Their specific demands include:
Transparent Investigation: An independent inquiry into all recent recruitments.
Local Priority: Recruitment for Scales 1 to 15 must be local, and the contract system must be abolished.
Public Disclosure: Immediate release of the list of all newly hired individuals via the media.
The controversy is now a full-fledged movement. Following the April 6 court hearing, the Hazara Qaumi Movement and other organizations will announce their next course of action. If the administration fails to respond positively, the people reserve the right to take to the streets and surround the company’s offices.
This situation stands as a test for high-ranking authorities: will they prioritize the legitimate demands of the public, or continue to back the perceived unfair decisions of the bureaucracy? The message from Hazara is clear: “We have the first right to our resources, and we will not compromise on our rights.”