MIANWALI, Nov 29: Punjab Revenue Minister Gul Hameed Rokhri on Tuesday broke open the lock of the district courts’ committee meeting room to hold two meetings against the will of District Nazim Obaidullah Shadikhel, who had locked the place.

The meetings were held on the issues of law and order, and revenue.

Reports said Mr Rokhri had three days ago announced schedule for his meetings convened at the committee room. Mr Rokhri and Punjab Mines and Mineral Minister Sardar Sibtain Khan, together with journalists, reached the venue but found the doors locked.

DCO Zulfiqar Ali Toor and DPO Zarat Kiyani received the two ministers and the former took them to his office. They got the lock broken and held two meetings in a triumphant manner.

A police contingent cordoned off the area to avoid any untoward incident.

A few days ago, the nazim had not allowed Mr Rokhri to hold a meeting in the room and the matter was reported to the chief minister.

Later, the revenue minister claimed at a press conference that all the provincial buildings belonged to the revenue department and the meetings were convened to discuss official matters. He said he had got the approval of the chief minister and chief secretary to conduct a meeting.

The next meeting of all EDOs was scheduled to be held on Wednesday (today).

It is pertinent to mention that the conflict between federal minister Sher Afgan and the Rokhris started before the local elections over the nomination of candidate for the district nazim slot. Mr Afgan nominated Shadikhel against the Rokhri’s son, who was aspiring to retain the office for the second term.

However, Shadikhel won the election with a thumping majority after which the two groups developed serious differences.

The nazim was out of the district while Mr Rokhri refused to comment.