DERA GHAZI KHAN: Three people, including a child, died after falling into a manhole near Tub Road in Taunsa Sharif city.

Reports said two locals Ghulam Farid and Amanullah went down in the manhole to rescue child Noman, who had fell down accidentally, but couldn’t come out alive.

Rescue 1122 has shifted the three bodies to the Taunsa Sharif tehsil headquarters hospital. Sources alleged that local landlords had opened the lids of the manholes to water their nearby fields.

Residents of the area informed the administration several times about the illegal practice, but the administration neither closed the lid nor took any action against the landlords or farmers on charge of using toxic sewage water for irrigation purpose. Commissioner DG Khan Division Dr. Nasir Mahmood Bashir has taken notice of the death of three people and instructed the DC to visit the spot.

It is s common practice in DG Khan to use sewage water for irrigation purpose. Farmers of Gaddai union council have continuously been using sewage water for irrigation purpose.

WOMEN PROTECTION: A district women protection committee will be established to enforce Women Protection Act in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Sources told Dawn that on the directives of Additional IG Operations Punjab, DPO Syed Ali convened a meeting with District Women Protection Officer Soraya Rana.

Women police officers also attended the meeting.

Following the Punjab government’s instructions, it was resolved to establish a district women protection committee to enforce the Women Protection Act in DG Khan. A focal person will be appointed to facilitate this initiative. The committee, chaired by DSP legal and the district women protection officer, will conduct monthly meetings.

In cases where women require police assistance and protection, the police would offer comprehensive support. Conversely, the district women protection officer would ensure legal aid, shelter, and other necessary support for women in police-related cases.

The DPO said the police would cooperate by organising workshops and raising awareness to ensure effective implementation of the Women Protection Act.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2024