FAISALABAD – Industrial and textile sectors of the city, along with labour unions, held a massive protest rally to condemn the government’s discrimination against Faisalabad that was facing a 5-day gas holiday according to the revised schedule issued by SNGPL authorities. Reportedly, the protest rally was held by the regional office of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Anjuman Tajiran City Faisalabad, members of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) and a number of local labourers’ organisations. Hundreds of the protestors gathered at the Faisalabad District Council Chowk and staged a sit-in against the government’s policy of 5-day gas holiday for the city. The sit-in was led by APTMA Regional Chairman Sheikh Muhammad Saeed, FCCI former president Abdul Qayyum, Anjuman Tajiran Chairman Khawaja Shahid Razzaq Sakka and General Secretary Mahmood Alam Jutt.
The speakers said the discriminatory schedule of the massive load shedding had compelled them to record their protest against the government as they could work only for 10 days in the month of February. Sheikh Saeed said it was a conspiracy to destroy the industry and push millions of industrial workers out of their jobs.
The labourers from main industrial areas including Samundary Road, Jhang Road and Khurrarianwala at Sheikhupura Road gathered outside Karkhana Bazar Chowk and rallied towards Kutcherry Bazar passing through the Circular Road. They later reached the District Council Chowk, staged a sit-in to condemn the government policies and demanded the restoration of gas.
Residents protest against WASA for leaving drain uncovered: Gulistan Colony’s residents held a protest rally against Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) at Haq Bahoo Chowk as it left a waste water drain uncovered after maintenance work.
Hundreds of angry residents gathered at the chowk, burnt tyres, chanted slogans against the WASA for their incompetence and brought traffic to a standstill. Reportedly, the WASA team undertook a cleaning and maintenance work at the waste water drain passing through B block of Gulistan Colony. During their work, they uncovered the drain by breaking the concrete slabs from many places but, after the completion of the work, the gaps were left open. The residents said they asked the authorities many times to cover up the drain as it was causing the overflow of waste water resulting in a bitter smell and diseases.
They added that they were forced to protest against the WASA because the situation was ticking up to cause an accident anytime. They feared that minors playing in the area were vulnerable to fall in the open stream and demanded the authorities arrange an immediate covering up of the drain. The protestors later dispersed peacefully but threatened to besiege the WASA head office if their demand was not fulfilled.
Dying man’s brother beaten up by security: A man who wanted to enter the Accident and Emergency ward of Allied Hospital to see his dying brother was beaten up by security guard in the course of scuffle while his brother died in the ward.
The relatives of the deceased held a protest against the hospital’s security guards who was later suspended by the administration. Reportedly, a patient Arsalan, a resident of Mai Di Jhuggi, was admitted to the Accident and Emergency ward of Allied Hospital where his condition was critical.
His brother Waqas Ahmed reached the hospital but the security guard Yar Muhammad did not let him enter that caused an exchange of heated arguments.
The guard attacked the visitor and beat him up with the help of his colleagues. During the course of fight, the critically ill patient Arsalan died.
The relatives of the deceased protested against the behaviour of the security guard and blocked the main road disrupting the traffic. Civil Lines Station House Officer (SHO) Usman Waraich and Allied Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS) Doctor Bashir Ahmed Rana intervened to pacify the protestors and held dialogues with them. The MS ordered to suspend the accused security guard and called an inquiry into the matter.
Scouting can help build youth’s character’: Scouting can play a vital role in forming the character of our youth by promoting their physical, mental and spiritual development and making them disciplined, useful and good citizens University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said this while inaugurating the 38th Annual Function of UAF’s Rover Scouts Group held at Iqbal Auditorium. The VC added that Rovers Scouts of the University were the best ones in the world due to their commitment, hard work, discipline and passionate approach towards their noble mission.
He appreciated the efforts of the scouts who offered their volunteer services on all occasions such as annual day celebrations and festivities. He praised the scout’s role at the time of admissions when they took up their duty to guide and help the visitors who carried home a soft and pleasant image of the institution. He added that recognition of the acclaimed services of the scouts by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari was truly a hallmark of the highest appreciation.
