SAHIWAL: Two rival groups of grain traders clashed with each other over a dispute during a visit of MPA Mansha Butt and Punjab Local Government Secretary Khalid Masood at Pakpattan’s Jamal Chowk on Thursday.

There is dispute among local grain traders over the proposed site for the establishment of a new grain market. During the PML-Q’s last tenure, the then MNA, Pir Muhammad Shah Khagga, proposed establishment of a new grain market over 26 acre near Chowk Jamal.

Subsequently, the land was allocated but the matter became a bone of contention between trader groups in 2007. The funds were stopped and proposed plan not executed. Some traders alleged corruption in ‘land deal’ while others demanded at least 50- to 60-acre land for the project.

A few months ago, the Punjab government desired to revive the project and PML-N MNA Mansab Ali Dogar apprised Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif of the dispute. The chief minister asked his adviser (local government secretary) to visit the grain market site and submit a report about the status of the project.

The secretary, along with local public representative, visited the proposed grain market site, where the rival groups clashed and chanted slogans against each other. The CM’s adviser and the Pakpattan DCO intervened and asked both groups to have a meeting with them.

Later, a three-hour meeting was held at the DCO office, where the CM’s adviser listened to the grievances of both groups and assured them that the issue would be solved.

Mansha Butt told newsmen that the grain market needed more land and it would be developed after overcoming the obstacles.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2015

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