Protest erupts in Pakistan after over 200 Rawalpindi–Islamabad Metro Bus staff reportedly dismissed

May 19, 2026

Islamabad/Rawalpindi: The termination of more than 200 employees by a newly appointed security company for the Metro Bus Service operating between Rawalpindi and Islamabad sparked protests on Monday morning, resulting in the suspension of bus operations for nearly two hours, according to a report by Dawn.

Workers protest over sudden dismissals and unpaid salaries

Employees of the Metro Bus Service staged a protest on the metro track against their dismissal and the non-payment of salaries for the previous two months. The protesting workers blocked the track, causing the Metro Bus Service between the twin cities to remain suspended and creating major inconvenience for commuters during rush hour.

Dismissed male and female employees gathered at the Potohar Metro Bus Station and raised slogans against the Metro administration.

Allegations of mass termination without notice

The affected workers alleged that the Metro Bus administration removed more than 200 employees without prior notice. They said the termination process began on May 1 after the contract was handed over to a new company, which allegedly dismissed existing staff and began recruiting new employees.

They also claimed that salaries for March and April had not been paid despite repeated assurances from authorities.

Services resume after negotiations

A senior Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMA) official said the Metro Bus Service was temporarily suspended in the morning but later resumed after negotiations between protesters and the administration.

The official added that the new security company took charge on May 1 and made staffing decisions accordingly.

Protesters urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene and ensure payment of pending salaries, saying many affected workers were the sole earners in their families.