OKARA: A man was subjected to acid attack while sleeping at his house by six suspects, including his second wife, over a marriage dispute at Mohallah Islampura, Hujra Shah Muqeem.

According to the first information report (FIR), Hasan Abbas contracted second marriage with Iqra Mansha, a resident of the same area. Two days prior to the incident, Hasan was asleep when Iqra, along with her father Mansha and her sister Anam, entered the room and threw acid on his back.

Hasan, feeling intense burns, rushed out of the room, but was overpowered by suspect Adeel Baig and two unidentified accomplices. They threw more acid on him before fleeing the scene.

Hasan, suffering from severe burns, was initially treated at Dipalpur THQ Hospital Dipalpur before being transferred to Lahore for treatment.

Following a report by the victim’s maternal nephew, Adil Ashraf, Hujra police registered a case against Iqra, her sister Anam, her father Mansha, Adeel Baig, and two unidentified suspects.

Reports said Hasan’s in-laws wanted him to divorce his first wife but he was reluctant to do so. Police claimed to have arrested suspect Adeel Baig.

PROTEST: Dozens of women teachers in Renala Khurd staged a protest rally against the privatisation of public schools, condemning the government’s actions as a violation of basic constitutional rights.

Under the banner of the Punjab Teachers Union (PTU), the protesters carried placards and banners with slogans, rejecting the government’s unconstitutional decision. They marched through the roads.

Several teachers on condition of anonymity said the government had issued strict instructions for all teachers to remain at their schools until 5pm on Thursday, in an apparent attempt to prevent them from joining a larger protest at the Civil Secretariat on Lower Mall, Lahore.

This protest was organised to oppose the Punjab government’s decision to privatise public schools, which serve as a resource for the children of low-income families.

Despite the restrictions, a number of teachers managed to travel to Lahore to participate in the joint protest. Among them were PTU leaders, including District President Muhammad Ashiq, Vice President Muhammad Arif, and Central Information Secretary Noor Ahmad Noori.

They joined the large gathering of teachers protesting what they described as an unjust and unconstitutional move that would deprive underprivileged children of their right to basic education.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2024