06 June 2004	Sunday	17 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

BAHAWALPUR, June 5: Yazman Tehsil Nazim Haji Abbas Shahid has resigned from his office, citing health problems as a major reason for such a move.

In his resignation sent to the government higher-ups on Saturday, Mr Shahid said he was unable to continue his job due to deteriorating health conditions and preoccupation with family.

The Nazim's sudden resignation has caused a stir in the local political circles where bypolls to two Punjab assembly seats are scheduled to be held on July 3.

District Nazim Tariq Cheema reportedly contacted Mr Shahid and asked him to withdraw his resignation, but the latter declined.

Local political circle believe that differences between Mr Shahid and Naib Nazim Chaudhry Basharat Randhawa may be the actual cause of this abrupt decision. The former belongs to the Arain clan while the latter is a Jatt and is seen closer to the district Nazim.

Rumours are that Mr Shahid had pointed out some flaws in the tehsil council affairs and sought its smooth functioning. However, his plea has yet to be considered.

INJURED: A mother and her two-year-old daughter suffered burns in an alleged acid attack on them near Mauza Qaimpur, about 80 kilometres from here, on Saturday.

Reports said Paras Mai and her daughter, Aasia, were sleeping in courtyard of their house when some unidentified persons sprinkled acid on them. Seriously burnt, they were admitted to the Bahawal Victoria Hospital.

PLEA: Justice Sheikh Hakim Ali of the Lahore High Court's local bench while admitting for hearing a writ petition challenging the allotment of agricultural land under the chief minister's scheme, has directed the DO (revenue) and the DDO (revenue) to submit their replies within 10 days.

They have also been directed to appear in person in the high court on the next date of hearing.

Petitioners Iftikhar and others of Chak 68-DB (Yazman) submitted that fake applicants had been included in the list for the allotment of land, which was meant for landless cultivators.

They also complained that the scrutiny committee members had also included their relatives in the applicant's lists.