People protest against gas loadshedding

TOBA TEK SINGH

Scores of citizens and activists of political parties on Friday staged a sit-in at Shahbaz Chowk against gas loadshedding and the problems being faced by the citizens due to alleged inefficiency of the TMA officials.

The protest was organised under the aegis of the Majlis Mufad Aama while MMA president Arif Qazi, Sunni Tehreek district ameer Maulana Munem Siddiqui, Jamiat Ahle Hadith leader Maulana Burq Tauheedi, JUI-F leaders Maulana Talha Abbasi and Maulana Mujeebur Rehman Ludhianvi, PTI leader advocate Mian Abdul Basit, Dr Saleem Ghazi, JI leader advocate Mian Arshad Javed, councillors Saeed Ahmad Tahir and Muhammad Nadeem, PAT leader Arshad Bhutta and Imran Sindhu also participated in the sit-in.

The protesters in their speeches asked the government to end to gas loadshedding, make arrangements for supply of clean water and make special arrangements for cleaning of dirty roads and streets of the city.

PETITIONS: District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Yar Wallana on Friday disposed of two petitions filed by a citizen and some lawyers against the SNGPL for observing loadshedding from 9pm to 6am daily in the city.

The court had summoned SNGPL regional GM Muhammad Hanif in the court. Ex-DBA president Rana Muhammad Anwar during his arguments told that there was no gas shortage in the country as it was summer weather and all CNG stations had also been opened. However, two councils of the GM appeared in the court and gave written assurance that there would be no gas loadshedding in future.

KHIDMAT CARDS: As many as 1,250 Khidmat Cards have been issued to the needy persons by the Punjab government in the district.

The people were getting Rs 3,600 after every three months as a financial aid under the scheme.

It was told in the District Khidmat Card Committee meeting held here on Friday. DCO Amir Ijaz Akbar directed the officers concerned to ensure transparency and merit during issuance of the cards to the poor people.  ADC Zeeshan Shabbir Rana, AC Muhammad Shafiq and DMP Kashif Nawaz were also present.