SARGODHA: Amir Sultan Cheema of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), who typically runs for NA-91, has this time submitted his nomination papers for PA-75, and both of his sons, Muneeb and Haider Cheema, are also running.

Muneeb Cheema won this seat in 2018.

Up to 228 candidates have submitted their nomination papers for the 10 provincial seats in the Sargodha district.

This is, however, not clear if the Cheemas would field Muneeb or if the elder Amir Cheema himself would contest for the constituency. For this constituency, Mian Mazab Ali Ranjha and his son Sultan Ranjha have also submitted their papers.

For PP-76, Abdullah Mumtaz Kahilon has submitted his papers, where he will face Dr Liaqat Ali Khan or his son Muhammad Bilal Khan has submitted his papers.

Though some contestants have launched their electioneering campaign at a limited scale and got various vintage points booked for displaying hoarding and billboards, they have yet to launch their campaign after party tickets are finalised.

FLOUR: The distribution of free flour among the people under the special Ramazan package in full swing. Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti and Deputy Commissioner Shoaib Ali distributed bags at the Company Bagh on Sunday.

Up to 4.517 million flour bags of 10 kg will be distributed during Ramazan to 1.55 million people in the four districts of the division till Ramazan 25.

Up to 1,020 points have been set up in the four districts. For this purpose, 462 special price shops, 148 utility stores, 229 truck points and special sale points in 181 union councils have been marked.

Any person earning a monthly income of less than Rs60,000 should send an SMS to 8070 by writing his national identity card number and ATTA from a registered mobile phone number in their name. They will receive a message that they can get one bag at a time. After seven days, the person will be provided with a second bag and after the next seven days, a third bag will be provided to the person. He said that all arrangements have been made to ensure the transparency of this pro-poor initiative. He also inspected a sale point established in the Civil Defense Hall and directed that the security at all points be made fool-proof.

Also, 100 women were refused bags though they showed the message they received on their mobile phones. They were told to provide a fresh CNIC.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2023