LAHORE: Religious, social and political leadership of minority communities in the province has demanded immediate repeal of the Punjab Local Government (Amended) Ordinance 2015 as it does not allow voters of minorities to elect their own representatives at the lowest tier of the democratic system.

In a consultative meeting held here on Saturday under the chairmanship of Archbishop Sebstain Francis Shaw, the head of Catholic Church, the participants expressed grave concerns over the ordinance, terming it anti-minorities, anti-democracy and unconstitutional that must be repealed forthwith.

“We under the stewardship of the Archbishop have decided to expedite our struggle for political and democratic rights of the people belonging to minority communities, particularly against the discriminatory and controversial ordinance,” said a press release.

The participants pledged that they would not compromise their political and democratic rights as guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan.

BEGGARS CAPTURED: A special squad of the City District Government of Lahore (CDGL) on Saturday captured 18 beggars from various intersections, roads and markets.

According to a spokesman, the beggars, including a woman, were captured by a CDGL’s social welfare squad from Anarkali, Panorama, The Mall near GPO, Multan Road, Akbar Chowk (Township), Bhaikaywal Mor, Campus underpass, Moon Market (Gulshan-i-Ravi) and G-1 Market of Johar Town.

The officials sent 12 beggars to Edhi Home and the rest of them to Raiwind Welfare Home, the spokesman said.

ARRESTED: Various price control magistrates got 68 shopkeepers arrested for overcharging and hoarding here on Saturday.

The magistrates also imposed a fine of Rs46,500 on others, he said.

Published in Dawn October 4th, 2015

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