November 5, 2003	Wednesday	Ramazan 9, 1424

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RAWALPINDI, Nov 4: Butchers of the twin cities have launched a protest campaign against the local administration’s ongoing crackdown.

In this regard, they set up a protest camp near Liaquat Bagh here on Tuesday.

The protest camp, which the butchers said was an agitation camp, had been organized by Jamiatul Quresh Meat Welfare Association. The camp was visited by MNA Hanif Abbasi and some traders’ representatives.

The butchers union leaders said the agitation would continue till the acceptance of their demands and release of their colleagues.

Meanwhile, district Nazim Raja Tariq Kiani has said that the crackdown against profiteers, hoarders, adulterators and butchers would continue till they stopped charging exorbitant rates.

Talking to Dawn, the Nazim said the local administration would not bow to pressure tactics, adding “it is our responsibility to keep a check on such elements.”

He said it was only after the district administration took harsh steps that some checks have been put on the profiteers and prices have been controlled.

He termed the shutterdown strike call given by butchers illegal, saying the meat-sellers would not be given a free hand to indulge in illegal business. “They have to implement the officially-fixed rates and ensure that standard quality meat is sold,” Mr Kiani added.