GUJRAT: A group of local PML-N workers has lodged a protest against the demolition of a modern bus stop near Jail Chowk by the Municipal Corporation.

Two years ago, local PML-N leader Aurangzaib Butt -- in collaboration with the then district government -- had launched a subsidised transport service for students and labourers. As per an agreement, the district government had handed over a number of bus stops to Zaib Metro Service along the route from Kathala Chenab to Airport Chowk.

On Sunday, municipal corporation staff demolished the structure of Jail Chowk bus stop where portraits of senior PML-N leadership had also been put up.

A group of PML-N workers reached the spot and protested against the demolition and accused Mayor Haji Nasir of undermining Aurangzaib Butt’s welfare projects since Butt has been opposing the mayor’s group and seeking a PML-N ticket from Gujrat city’s PP-31 constituency. The seat had been clinched by MPA Imran Zafar, who is the mayor’s nephew.

The mayor’s group denied allegations of political victimisation and claimed the bus stop was demolished for construction of a disposal station of a sewerage scheme worth Rs250 million, which is supposed to be executed soon.

The group further claimed the deputy commissioner had handed over possession of that particular site to the corporation for execution of the scheme since the land was owned by the Punjab government. It had been handed over after consultation with the district council chairman and the administration.

Another source in the corporation said the sewerage scheme was nowhere near execution, but demolition of the bus stop seemed politically motivated on the part of the mayor to undermine welfare projects of an opponent group.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2018