MWEL alleges coercive protests, seeks security for Jhimpir wind farm

ISLAMABAD: Master Wind Energy Limited (MWEL) has sought protection from what it described as “coercive protests” by certain individuals belonging to the Brohi and Chang communities.
In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the Pakistan Private Investment Board (PPIB), the company highlighted a serious and escalating law-and-order situation at its Jhimpir premises. According to the letter, an unlawful and coercive protest has been staged near the company’s main gate by certain individuals, disrupting normal operations.
MWEL is a 50-megawatt wind power project that has been fully operational since October 14, 2016, and has consistently complied with all statutory, contractual, and stakeholder obligations. Under mutually agreed stakeholder arrangements, the company states that it has continuously provided social, employment, and community support to surrounding villages. These initiatives include local employment opportunities, water supply, educational support, vocational assistance, medical facilitation, and regular engagement with community representatives.
“Despite this sustained cooperation, external individuals — namely Muhammad Bux Brohi and Shah Muhammad Chang — have recently instigated an unlawful protest and are pressing demands that fall outside agreed arrangements and are neither legally nor operationally tenable,” the company claimed.
The situation has reportedly escalated beyond peaceful protest. MWEL alleges that its operations have been forcibly obstructed, threats have been issued against the movement of company personnel and vehicles, and one of its site vehicles was vandalized, resulting in damage to the windscreen and side mirrors. The company said these incidents demonstrate an imminent threat to the safety of its employees and assets. Additionally, certain local watchmen employed by MWEL were allegedly instigated to abandon their duties and impede plant operations.
As a precautionary measure to safeguard human life and critical infrastructure, MWEL said it has been compelled to curtail essential operational activities.
Given the gravity of the situation, the company has requested immediate administrative intervention and adequate security to ensure: (i) restoration of lawful and uninterrupted operations; (ii) safety and security of company personnel, vehicles, and assets through appropriate security deployment; and (iii) restraint of unlawful and disruptive elements from disturbing public order and endangering life and property.
MWEL reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining harmonious relations with genuine local stakeholders and fulfilling all obligations under applicable laws and agreed frameworks. However, it emphasized that urgent support from the district administration is necessary to prevent further escalation and any untoward incident. Ends