GUJRANWALA – At least 25 primary schools are under the illegal tenancy of influential feudal lords in Gujranwala district and the education department is unable to retrieve these from them and resume the education process there.
A survey report revealed that 25 schools had been closed down owing to unavailability or transfer of teachers. These schools have gone under the tenancy of feudal lords and are now being used as their deras.
Gujranwala is already in severe shortage of schools as compared to Gujrat and Sialkot districts though its population is more than these districts. Public and social circles have demanded the Punjab government take serious notice of the issue and not only get these schools vacated but also appoint teachers.
PUNJAB TO START SUPPORT SERVICES FOR LIVESTOCK PROJECT SOON: The Punjab government has issued a notification to run Support Services for Livestock Project on permanent basis. Reportedly, the provincial government started the project to upgrade the livestock conditions in the province in 2005 and established 36 veterinary dispensaries in Gujranwala district. The project was deferred in 2008, but resumed after some months.
The government once again wound up this project with the start of the current fiscal year, leaving 200 employees’ future in doldrums. However, after nine months, the provincial government decided to activate the project on permanent basis after the approval of the Punjab Finance Department.
MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH: District and Sessions Judge Kazim Raza Shamsi has awarded life imprisonment and Rs 50,000 penalty to Ali Raza for murder. Reportedly, the convict killed his uncle Muhammad Javed for not giving him money to buy heroin on February 15, 2010. The convict would also have to face one year more imprisonment for possessing illegal weapon.
Two killed in road accident: At least two passengers were killed and 19 injured as a speedy coaster hit a toll plaza in Eimanabad. Reportedly, a speedy coaster hit a toll plaza in Eimanabad. As a result, two passengers were killed on the spot while 19 others wounded and rushed to hospital.
HUMAN TRAFFICKER ARRESTED: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested eight human traffickers, including one involved in heinous crimes.
Gujranwala Circle FIA Deputy Director Shahid Hussain said that FIA’s raiding parties arrested human smuggler Riaz of Sialkot who was involved in sending people abroad illegally and wanted in 14 cases as the agency had put his name in the red book.
As many as seven others, Imtiaz Qaisar Sahi, Nadeem Warraich, Fiaz Ayub Bajwa, Zubair Ahmad and Muhammad Iqbal, were arrested from various places of Gujranwala and Zafarwal, he added.
