SWABI: The anti-corruption officials sealed excise and taxation office here on Monday on public complaints that corrupt practices were going on there, said an official, who was part of the raiding team.

He, however, said when the team reached there, the staff had already left.

The official told Dawn that the anti-corruption department had been requesting the relevant record from the excise and taxation officials for last four months, but to no avail. He added that the relevant record was seized during the raid.

The official said an enquiry would be conducted to know whether or not people’s complaints were correct. Anyone involved in corrupt practices would face law. He said the findings of the inquiry would be shared with the complainants.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Speakers at a prize distribution ceremony at the end of a three-day TechFest at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology on Monday said information technology had revolutionised the life and the continued research would certainly lead to more unbelievable breakthroughs in the field.

Society of Mechanical Engineers of Pakistan (SMEP) organised the event, attended by academia and students from various universities.

Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, PML-N central general secretary, who was the chief guest, and PTI MNA Asad Umar, also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Jhagra said in the last decade the world had witnessed such scientific developments which were neither expected nor predicted. “All these breakthroughs are the result of contemporary education and research work of the scientists,” he said.

The present era is an era of specialisation and excellence. The engineers should complete higher studies before moving to the job market, said Mr Jhagra, himself a mechanical engineer. He said the world of today was totally different from the past. “The students enjoy perfect education facilities; laboratories are equipped with modern instruments, sports, transport and all other requirements are provided to the students,” he added.

Asad Umar said the role of youngsters in the national development was critical and they should come forward and contribute to the country’s progress and prosperity. The youth should become the agent of change, work hard to alter the country’s destiny, he said. Mr Jhagra gave away shields and certificates to those whose performance was outstanding in the TechFest.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2016