SWABI: People here have demanded of the government to establish a general post office (GPO) in the district, as around 50,000 pensioners, mostly aged people, have been facing problems in getting pension.

Some of the pensioners told this correspondent on Thursday that Swabi was made district 32 years ago, but the people here were still deprived of the GPO facility.

They said that only late Dr Mohammad Salim, founder of Swabi Qaumi Mahaz, had made efforts for this cause.

They said that it was the responsibility of the elected representatives to help the poor pensioners in this regard.

Sherzada Khan, district president of All Pakistan Pensioners Association, said that due to unavailability of GPO the pensioners had to go to Mardan to collect their pensions. He said that they had met with the ministers and other elected representatives, but they did not take interest in resolution of their problem.

Other members of the association said that the aged pensioners in the district had been facing numerous problems and one way the government could provide them relief was establishment of GPO.

MILK ADULTERATION: People here on Thursday demanded of the district administration and food department to run a full-fledged campaign against milk adulteration in the district.

They said that the demand for milk had increased manifold and the government should take steps against adulterators and regularly monitor their activities.

They said that in past the officials of the district or tehsil administration would visit the local bazaars to check quality of milk on the spot.

Sahibzada Khan of Salim Khan village said that all those involved in milk adulteration should be handed strict punishment and heavy fines.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2020