DERA GHAZI KHAN: Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday visited Dera Ghazi Khan to monitor distribution of free flour among the deserving. Naqvi made unannounced visits to the distribution centres at the Government Postgraduate College of Commerce and Model Bazaar and listened to public complaints.

He expressed his anger over lack of facilities at the centre in comparison to the number of people present there and transferred the deputy commissioner for poor governance.

The caretaker CM appealed to people to queue up so that flour could be distributed among those present at the. He listened to their complaints as well.

He told media said that there were some issues at the flour centers which would be resolved at the earliest. He said financial assistance of one million rupees each would be given to the heirs of those who died during stampede at the flour distribution process.

Meanwhile, people looted a truck carrying flour for a distribution center in Jampur, Rajanpur district. Staff deputed at the centre left when mob started snatching flour bags.

The Rajanpur deputy commissioner however denied the happening and claimed that viral clip was not of Jampur.

GUJRAT: Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman visited Gujranwala, Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin and reviewed arrangements at free flour distribution points.

The chief secretary said the distribution of free flour under the Ramzan package was a big initiative of the government. He directed the officers to make special arrangements to maintain discipline at the flour points and complete the process of flour distribution in minimum possible time to avoid rush.

He appealed to the citizens to cooperate with the district administration. He also issued orders to increase the number of flour distribution staff at the trucking points.

Commissioner of Gujranwala/ Gujrat divisions Naveed Haider Sheerazi, Gujrat deputy commissioner Safdar Virk and other officials accompanied the CS.

SAHIWAL: To meet the rising demand of free flour in Sahiwal, flour can be brought from other districts of Punjab. Presently, 14 local flour mills are engaged at the flour supply and distribution side but demand is rising day after day.

This stated by Azfer Ali Nasir, caretaker minister for auqaf and religious affairs, while talking to the media at Gymkhana Ground here.

The minster’s visit follows the death of a woman during a stampede that occurred at a free flour distribution point here on Tuesday.

The minister directed the administration to increase police security at each centre.

He said an inquiry committee had been formed and responsibilities would be fixed.

DC Ikramul Haq told the media only women would be allowed into free flour distribution centers which would run from 6am to 2pm daily and women would be given flour after 2pm.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2023