August 15, 2008	Friday	Sha'aban 12, 1429

ATTOCK, Aug 14: District Nazim Tahir Sadiq Khan said the Punjab government’s attempts to again transfer all powers to the bureaucracy would serve as a demoralising factor for the people.

Speaking at an Independence Day function at Tehsil Municipal Administration offices on Thursday, Mr Khan said the local government was being “victimised” through audits and creating hurdles in it administrative and financial affairs.

As a result, development work and other functions have been affected to a great deal, he added.

In a recent audit, the provincial government declared recruitment of 937 officials as illegal, though no irregularity was proved.

All the appointments, Mr Khan said, were made by following the prescribed recruiting procedure with the approval of the previous Punjab government. He assured all the employees not to worry about their jobs and attend their departments regularly.

The nazim asked the district authorities to release the suspended salaries of all affected employees as it was totally inhuman and illegal act to deprive the poor workers financially, saying the matter could be challenged in the court of law.

Separate Flag hoisting ceremonies: The cold war between the PML-led district government and administration continues as both held flag-hoisting ceremonies separately on the eve of the Independence Day on Thursday.

Interestingly, the leaders of both the camps in their speeches advised the people to maintain unity in their ranks and follow the golden principles--unity, faith and discipline -- of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for the country’s solidarity, prosperity and integrity.