LAKKI MARWAT: The all Class-IV employees union of the health department set up a protest camp on the premises of the Government City Hospital here on Saturday to press the government to grant them health professional allowance.

The employees also took out a rally from the hospital and marched on the Old Kutchery Road, holding banners and placards inscribed with their demands.

Union’s district president Arjamand Khan, who led the rally, said ‘pathetic’ attitude of the government had left them with no option than to hold demonstrations.

“The government is reluctant to pay health professional allowance to Class-IV employees like doctors and paramedics,” he claimed.

He also demanded of the government to reserve Haj quota for low-rank employees.

The union’s president also demanded restoration of son’s quota, enabling the children of Class-IV employees to get employment in the health department.

He also asked the government to approve a time-scale promotion formula and service structure for Class-IV employees.

Meanwhile, the Lakki Marwat tehsil municipal administration has launched a cleanliness drive in the urban locality.

“The drive has been launched on the directives of deputy commissioner Rehmat Ali,” tehsil municipal officer Kiramatullah said on Saturday.

He said the trees planted on the median of the main road by the civic body had been damaged during the protest demonstrations staged by people.

Mr Kiramatullah said new plantation had been carried out on the median of the busy road. “We have also made arrangements to water the plants daily,” he claimed. He said a mechanical sweeper had been repaired to clean the urban roads.

The TMO said workers had been directed to dispose of garbage dumps and clear clogged drains.

BOOKED: Several butchers and bakers were booked for profiteering in Darra Pezu town of Lakki Marwat on Saturday.

Following public complaints received by deputy commissioner Rehmat Ali, district food controller Aman Khan paid surprise inspection visits to bazaars in the town.

Mr Aman, who is also price magistrate, checked availability of official rate list and its implementation by traders.

However, he found several butchers and bakers involved in fleecing consumers.

He forwarded their names to police for registration of FIRs against them.

He said the district administration had issued a new price list after a major cut in rates of petroleum products.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2023