Oil-tanker driver burnt alive

HAFIZABAD

A driver was burnt alive when his oil tanker overturned on Monday.

Reportedly, an oil tanker carrying 60,000 litre oil overturned on Pindi Bhattian-Chiniot Road near Tibba Shah Behlol when its tyre exploded.

After it, the oil caught fire, killing the driver Munir Ahmad of Sheikhupura on the spot and reducing the tanker into ashes. Firefighters rushed to the spot and were trying to extinguish the fire till the filing of the report.

Meanwhile, traffic on the Pindi Bhattian-Chiniot Road remained suspended for more than three hours.

Pro-farmers policies:  Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and MNA Syed Sajid Mehdi Saleem Monday said the government is pursuing pro-farmers policies to discourage import of agricultural produce.

Addressing ‘Kissan Convention’ at Universality of Agriculture (UAF) Burewala campus, Mehdi said 70 per cent population of the country is linked with agriculture economy and government is fully committed to make pro-farmers policies to enhance the productivity. He said the Punjab government would be urged to allocate Rs 10 million grant in the forthcoming budget for the UAF sub campus, Burewala. Vice-Chancellor UAF Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said to get rid of the IMF policies we need to strengthen our agriculture sector. He said Kissan Package and National Income Support Programme are not solution to reduce poverty but rather we need solid planning and policies. He suggested eliminating the subsidy culture from society. MPA Muhammad Yusuf Kaseliya, UAF Sub-Campus Principal Dr Abdul Salam, Ex-Project Director Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad Rajwana, Dr Abid Ali, Dr Aslam Mirza, Dr Asif Khan and Osama Hafeez also spoke. Scientists also informed the participants about the modern techniques to boost agriculture.

Drug peddlers: Pakpattan police Monday arrested drug peddlers and recovered liquor.

Police arrested accused Muhammad Saleem of Fareed City with 10 litre liquor and accused Shamshad Hussain of Bongga Hayyat with four litre liquor. Police have registered cases.

ELECTRICITY CASES: Police on the report of Mepce SDO Monday registered an electricity theft case against accused Haider Ali of Chak Kaloka. The accused stole electricity through direct wire.

Anti-polio drive: Acting Jhang DCO Abdul Qadir Shah Monday said Health Department is working on a strategy to combat polio and a special three-day anti-polio drive will be launched in the district from May 23.

Presiding over a meeting to review arrangements for the anti-polio drive, he warned the health officials to make strict monitoring during the campaign and declared that polio eradication committee meeting will be held in DCO office on daily basis to review the progress of the drive.