BAHAWALPUR, Feb 4: A 14-point charter of demands for the people of Seraiki belt was announced at a gathering here on Sunday.

Seraiki-speaking intellectuals and notables were part of the gathering arranged by the Minority Rights Commission of Pakistan, according to a press release.

It was demanded that the new parliament should form a fresh federation as the existing one had lost its value in the eyes of all nationalities. Re-constitution of a new federation with a provision of a Seraiki province for administrative purposes be considered.

The gathering also demanded re-structuring of the armed forces and the judiciary. Among other demands were: “The concept of religious and non-religious minorities be removed and brought in the mainstream of the nation, giving them all basic rights on an adult franchise and equality basis.

“The basic education should be imparted in mother languages, including Seraiki, in accordance with the recommendations of Unesco and a new column of Seraiki language be created in the prescribed form at the time of national census.”

SUSPENDED: Regional Police Officer Ghulam Haider Marth has suspended two police constables from service for their alleged involvement in the abduction of a minor girl.