SARGODHA: Commissioner Dr Farrah Masood confirmed on Saturday that locust larvae were found along the border of Sargodha and Layyah districts and directed the deputy commissioners of four districts of the division to remain vigilant to counter a locust attack.

She said adult locusts were powerful fliers and could travel long distances, consuming vegetation on the way.

She said there were reports of presence of larvae of locusts along the border of Layyah where crop of gram was ready; therefore, there was apprehension of locust attack and all the DCs must be ready to cope with the situation.

The Bhakkar DC had reported that larvae were seen in the area of Rakh Nawan Kot of district Layyah along the boundary of district Bhakkar.

The commissioner warned of the fatal attack of locusts, which created more devastation and all the departments concerned must vigilantly watch the situation.

NO BURIALS: The graveyard committee of Chak 78/NB has notified that the local landlords had provided land for burial of dead bodies of their families and no other body would allowed to be buried in the graveyard of the village.

The landless people of the village are not allowed to use any part of graveyard and have to travel long distance for burial of their dead bodies in another village.

DEATH SENTENCE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) judge awarded death to a man on two counts with penalty of Rs1m for killing a police constable and injuring another during a raid.

As per the details, on Sept 16, 2016, Daud Khel police raided a house to arrest some terrorists. When they asked the inmates, including Asif, to surrender, the suspects opened fire on them. As a result, Constable Muhammad Ramzan died and another policeman was injured.

The case was registered by the Daud Khel Police Station, Mianwali, which submitted challan against Asif.

The court observed that the prosecution had proved its case and awarded Asif death penalty. The Rs1m fine would given as compensation to the family of the of deceased Ramzan.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2020