December 31, 2006	Sunday	Zilhaj 09, 1427

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VEHARI, Dec 30: The district administration and police have not learnt any lesson from the loss of scores of lives due to consumption of tainted liquor during the last few years.

The sale of locally-prepared liquor has once again picked up on the occasion of Eid as the police are turning a blind eye to the illegal trade. Over two dozen people had died due to consumption of liquor locally prepared by some unscrupulous elements in Vehari, Multan and Khanewal on Eidul Fitr.

The illegal trade has its roots in many parts of the district, including Mitro, Gagoo, Machiwal, Tibba Sultanpur, Jalla Jeem, Dokota, Thingi Colony, Kehror Pucca and Muslim Town. The minority community had stocked liquor in quantity to sell it on the Christmas.

A stockist told Dawn on the condition of anonymity that several minority people had stocked liquor in their mud-houses and the buyers had already booked the product according to their requirements.

Another trader claimed that on occasions like Eid, a majority of medical stores and homoeopathic clinics sold the liquor under the garb of medicines. He said all the police needed was their share of bribe to allow the illegal and unethical business to continue.

Vehari DPO Malik Tassadaq Hayat said the district police had arrested dozens of people involved in the trade during Eidul Fitr days, but a majority of those arrested were let on bail by courts. He admitted that the trade was flourishing despite best efforts by the police.

He, however, denied that the policemen allowed the trade to thrive after taking bribe. There might be some black sheep in the department, but the officials in general were alert and prepared to take action against the offenders, he said.

GRANT: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi has provided Rs1 million grant for the renovation of the Vehari Press Club.

DCO Babar Hassan Bharwana gave away a cheque to club president Rao Shahadat Ali at a ceremony.