SARGODHA: The Lok Mela 2023 faced a momentary disruption late on Tuesday as local police detained the well-known artist Malkoo while he performed the song “Qaidi No 804,” directly referencing the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.

A spokesperson for the district police, however, clarified that the detention of artist Malkoo during the Lok Mela was a precautionary measure to ensure the safe escort of the artist amidst the overwhelming crowd.

Additionally, a police official was suspended for mishandling a spectator.

District Police Officer Muhammad Faisal Kamran emphasized the importance of patience in handling such situations.

The seven-day mela concluded on Tuesday. Caretaker Provincial Minister for Endowments and Housing Azfar Ali Nasir, speaking as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony, underscored the cultural importance of fairs and festivals in Punjab.

He commended the management’s efforts in successfully organizing the weeklong Lok Mela.

LOAN: Additional Director of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Dr Mohammad Saleem says farmers should benefit from the bank loan scheme, facilitating them without the intervention of middlemen.

He made this statement at an awareness seminar at the Sargodha Arts Council Complex.

He said that due to the policies of the SBP, inflation has started to decrease gradually in the country.

He said, “The SBP is engaged in the promotion of digital banking in the country, and in this regard, licenses have been issued to five digital banks. The SBP is trying to start Islamic banking in the country by 2027 following the orders of the Federal Shariat Court.” This seminar was arranged in collaboration with the divisional administration, Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Punjab Agriculture Department.

A fair was also arranged to harness the activity. The chief guest was Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Shoaib Ali. Counters of all the banks were set up in the fair where visitors interested in small businesses were registered and informed about the issuance of loans.

The deputy commissioner said that the SBP’s program to provide loans on easy terms to small entrepreneurs was a good initiative.

“For the development of agriculture, trade, and business, women and farmers should work as a movement,” he added.

The DC emphasized that cattle herders must take advantage of the loan scheme and play their role in the country’s development by increasing the production of milk and meat.

ANF: The Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) seized a heavy quantity of hashish from nine narcotics peddlers, including four women, in Kotmomin.

The ANF received intelligence that nine narcotics smugglers from the KP were involved in drug trafficking throughout Punjab.

When three vehicles were checked, the ANF recovered one ton of hashish.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2023