SAHIWAL: The six-member National Lobbying Delegation for Minority Rights called on University of Sahiwal Vice Chancellor Dr Javed Akhter at his office on Thursday and expressed concerns at the higher educational institutions not filling the quotas reserved for the minorities during the university admissions and recruitment.

The delegation members highlighted the underrepresentation of the minorities in higher education and employment sectors, emphasising that such quotas were essential to bridge this gap. They said provision of equal opportunities to all students regardless of their background was crucial for cultivating a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Moreover, they stressed that extending job opportunities to individuals from minority backgrounds would contribute to reducing socioeconomic disparities prevalent among various communities.

The delegation was led by Prof Dr Kalyan Singh, Dr Iyra Indrias, former MPA Habkook Gill, Atif Jamil advocate, Shahzad Francis, and Romana Bashir.

Prof Dr Kalyan Singh also presented his book, Guru Nanak Sahab Ji, to the VC.

Electrocuted: Two labourers were electrocuted, while a third was critically injured while installing an electricity wire pole in a private housing colony in Arifwala.

Eyewitnesses reported that the pole made contact with the 11,000KV wires passing overhead, causing the three laborers to come into contact with the electric current.

Rescue 1122 said that Sanaullah and Zain Ali died while Muhammad Imran was shifted to the Arifwala THQ Hospital.

The bodies were handed over to Arifwala city police by Rescue 1122. Reports said there were no safety measures in place for the laborers during the installation of poles in New Model Town.

Published in Dawn, September 22th, 2023