SARGODHA: Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Ijaz Buttar discharged on Wednesday Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) former MNA Aliya Hamza and PTI activist Sanam Javed from charges related to inciting people in Mianwali to invade state institutions on May 9, 2023.

The police presented both leaders in the court following a 14-day physical remand in connection with a first information report (FIR) No 179/23. However, the judge granted a seven-day physical remand of both in another case related to photo-copied documents presented by the prosecution for investigation.

Ms Javed’s father, speaking to reporters outside the court, accused the prosecution of ethical and legal violations. He said the documents, purportedly linking the accused to the May 9 incident, were actually related to events in March 2023, held outside Zaman Park, and were neither distributed nor communicated on May 9 in Mianwali by either Ms Hamza or Ms Javed.

He said the jail superintendent, under the influence of powerful entities, was illegally denying food to the detainees, leading them to embark on a hunger strike for the past four days.

The judge directed the jail authorities to ensure that food items, as per the jail manual, are provided by the inmates’ families.

Both women activists remain detained at the Sargodha District Jail for further investigation by Mianwali police, with a scheduled presentation in court next Wednesday.

Ms Javed’s father said both women endure these hardships to convey their dedication to the freedom of the younger generation.

MURDERED: Brothers Azam Tariq and Qaiser, of Chak 171/168-NB in Sillanwali, were abducted by armed men while en route to submit their father Nazar Abbas’s death certificate at the union council office.

Armed assailants Tahir and others intercepted them at gunpoint. Later, they shot and killed the brothers near village Sobhaga before fleeing the scene.

Hajira Batul, mother of the victims, lodged a complaint, leading to the registration of a case against Tahir, Shani, Farhan, Muhammad Ramzan, Tasawar, Faisal, and Allah Bakhsh. After post-mortem, the police handed over the bodies to the heirs.

HONOUR KILLING: Shafqatullah Sago of Thal village allegedly murdered his 22-year-old wife, Nagina, of Chakwal, on suspicions of her extra-marital affair, and declared her death as suicide.

However, visible signs of violence on her body revealed the crime.

The police are looking into the case.

SUSPENDED: Commissioner and Municipal Corporation (MC) Administrator Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti has suspended five officials for negligence in their official duties.

Issuing a stern warning to all building inspectors, rent inspectors, and accountants, Mr Bhatti urged them to improve their performance within a week.

He said that persistent underperformance would lead to further consequences, possibly including the surrender of accountants.

Recognising exemplary work, Mr Bhatti awarded certificates of appreciation to two recovery officials and ordered the promotion of one.

During a performance review meeting at his conference room, the chief officer presented branch-wise performance details. Mr Bhatti instructed to disconnect water and sewage services for users with outstanding bills, take legal action against illegal constructions and connections, and file cases accordingly. He sought performance reports of building inspectors, warning of consequences for those failing to meet standards.

He ordered a renewed crackdown on encroachments and instructed a timeline for removing cattle from the city. He also urged for thorough rent recoveries from shops and lease properties and announced weekly meetings to review MC officers’ performance, with rewards and penalties determined accordingly.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2024