FAISALABAD: The first meeting of the city council plunged into complete disorder on Monday when mayor Razzaq Malik switched off the mic of Sheraz Kahloon who had contested election against him (Malik) on Dec 22.

Law Minister Rana Sanaullah’s group had fielded Malik and Kahloon was the candidate of Sher Ali group.

Members of Sher Ali group made it difficult for the mayor to run the maiden meeting of the council when mic of Kahloon was switched off after the latter termed Dec 22 black day, alleging that the state machinery was used to pressurise the chairmen.

Action of the mayor annoyed the chairmen of Kahloon group who stood up on their seats and gathered in front of the mayor’s dice, shouting slogans in favour of Sher Ali. Members of the treasury also started chanting slogans in favour of the mayor and Rana Sanaullah.

Taking advantage of the situation, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairmen started chanting slogans in favour of Imran Khan. Due to the rumpus, the mayor failed to hold the meeting.

Earlier, in his maiden speech, Mayor Razzaq Malik said positive politics would be promoted by eliminating the trend of negative politics and political rivals would also be taken into confidence.

He asked the government officials to ensure timing to join their duties.

Meanwhile, a number of union council chairmen could not find chairs at the district council meeting and attended the entire proceedings standing in and outside the hall. Some chairmen attended the meeting along with their friends which led to shortage of chairs.

Published in Dawn January 3rd, 2017