LAHORE: The Pakistan Poultry Association has expressed concerns over the rumours of chicken carrying coronavirus, and termed them false and baseless. It condemned the “baseless propaganda”, stating that people should continue consuming chicken and other poultry products without any fear.

“Coronavirus has not been reported in any chicken product in any part of the country. Besides, poultry has not been reported to be linked with transmission of the virus to humans in any part of the world. All the rumours being spread or circulated on social media in this regard are absolutely wrong and baseless,” the association’s northern region vice chairman, Chaudhry Fargham, told journalists during a press conference here on Wednesday.

Flanked by the association’s office-bearers, Mr Fargham said the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (Livestock Wing) and Poultry Research Institute Punjab had also refuted this “baseless propaganda” through official notifications, which have been published in the media. He pointed out that poultry sector was one of the most organised sectors of the agro-based industry.

The poultry sector has been serving the nation since 1962 and providing affordable poultry products to the people to fulfil the requirements of animal protein. It contributes 40 per cent of the total meat consumption and generates employment and income for thousands.

“Therefore, chicken meat is healthy, nutritious and safe for consumers,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the Lahore poultry traders association president, Tariq Javaid, on Wednesday asked the chicken wholesalers and retailers to prepare for another round of strike in the next couple of days after Chief Minister Usman Buzdar sought sale of chicken meat at Rs260 per kilogramme.

“A day before, in a meeting with Lahore Commissioner, Rs300 per kg rate was agreed mutually. But now after the CM’s announcement, it seems that we will have no option but to observe a strike in case we don’t get relief from court on Thursday (today). You all must be ready for another round of strike since we cannot follow the government rates due to capping of the prices and arrests of wholesalers and retailers,” Javaid said in a statement.

LDA: The Lahore Development Authority on Wednesday demolished various structures built unlawfully on sites meant for construction of schools, sewerage disposals, dispensaries etc in various private housing schemes.

The demolition was carried out at Punjab University Housing Scheme (Phase-2), Govt Superior Service Housing Scheme and New Lahore City Scheme, according to a spokesman.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2020