BAHAWALPUR, May 6: Wheat purchase permits and licences of individuals and private parties in all districts of the former Bahawalpur division had been suspended, Minister for Food Chaudhry Iqbal said on Thursday.

The decision had been taken to achieve the 2.5 million metric ton wheat procurement target, the minister told newsmen at a press conference at the residence of former parliamentarian Syed Tabish Alwari.

The government has so far procured 1.5 million metric ton wheat in the Punjab. To a question, the minister said that earlier the millers were barred from purchasing wheat in the former Bahawalpur division.

Chaudhry Iqbal said that 124,000 metric ton of wheat had so far been procured from Bahawalnagar district. The minister was, however, optimistic that the government would achieve its target.

To another query, he said that the permits would remain suspended till the government achieved its target. About the threats of the NWFP government, the minister said the Punjab will continue to play the role of 'elder brother' by supplying wheat and flour to other provinces.

"The Punjab is still supplying wheat flour to NWFP and Sindh," he said. He said that profiteers and hoarders would be dealt with an iron hand. Chaudhry Iqbal said that Passco had been given the target of 1.2 million metric tons in Hafizabad district and 13 other tehsils of the province.

Passco has so far procured 500,000 metric tons of wheat from the Punjab. The minister said that the government would also check the stocks of ginners, if complaints were received against them.

RESULTS: The Islamia University on Thursday declared the results of MA education final second annual examinations, 2003. Out of total 39 candidates, 33 were declared successful with a pass percentage of 77. Roll numbers of the successful candidates are: 702, 704, 705, 706, 708, 709, 710 from 712 to 718, 722, 723, 725 and from 727 to 737.