MUZAFFARGARH: Forest Department officials and employees staged a protest against a case registered by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), calling it baseless and fabricated. Protesters claimed the case, linked to a 2016 application filed by Zafar Iqbal, of 115 TDA, was part of a vendetta. They alleged that Zafar, associated with the timber mafia, had dozens of cases registered against him across different police stations.

The protest stems from an ACE case against three forest officials and two private people in Layyah district. The ACE arrested Layyah Range Officer Adnan Yusuf Gujar, Bloc Officer Najibullah and Guard Muhammad Hussain while two land occupants involved in the case, Majeed and Rafiq, were also arrested for their alleged involvement in occupation of 348 kanals of Forest Department land.

According to protesters, the forest land in Chak No 122 TDA was under the district government’s charge in 2016, not the provincial government. Moreover, none of the officials named in the case were posted in Chak No 122 TDA during that time.

They said Adnan, range officer, took charge in February 2023, while Bloc Officer Najibullah assumed duties in March 2021. Forest Guard Muhammad Hasnain joined in 2019 and was posted in Chak No 122 TDA only in July this year. The protesters alleged ACE registered the case without proper investigation, tricking forest department officers into providing statements.

They claimed the ACE misused its authority, fabricating allegations to blackmail government employees. Protesters demanded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz take immediate notice of this injustice and ensure justice is served.

WEDDING: District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Hasnain Haider attended the wedding of Shaheed ASI Muhammad Akram’s daughter and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to honoring its martyrs.

The DPO, along with SP Investigation Zafar Dogar, welcomed the wedding procession, presented a bouquet to the groom and escorted him to the stage. Gifts were presented to the bride, along with heartfelt prayers for her happiness. DPO Haider stated that the Muzaffargarh police family stands united in every moment of joy and sorrow, never forgetting its martyrs’ sacrifices.

OPERATION: An operation against encroachments on Multan Road in Muzaffargarh was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Quratul Ain Memon. The initiative, launched on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aimed to address citizens’ complaints about blocked roads and reduced public convenience.

Administrator Municipal Committee Muhammad Yousuf Chheena and MC Chief Officer Waqas Gujjar were also present during the operation. Ms Memon said that keeping Muzaffargarh city free from encroachments remains a top priority.

Shopkeepers were urged to act responsibly and avoid encroachments, as authorities plan to continue indiscriminate action to improve the city’s aesthetics and public facilities.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2024