MUZAFFARGARH: The 25th death anniversary of legendary folk singer Pathanay Khan was observed in Kot Addu on Sunday.

Local singers and family members paid tribute to him. Deputy Commissioner Syed Munawar Abbas Bukhari acknowledged his contributions to Seraiki Sufi music. Pathanay Khan, recipient of the Pride of Performance award, is known for popularising Sufi Kafi singing across the world. His son Iqbal Pathanay Khan said the gathering was modest but participating singers remembered the late singer with the heartfelt performances of his iconic songs. Relatives said that his real name was Ghulam Muhammad and he was laid to rest in Kot Addu after passing away on March 9, 2000. A prayer was offered for his soul.

ENCOUNTER: A hardened robber wanted in 82 cases was killed in an alleged encounter with police in Kot Addu. According to a police spokesperson, three armed suspects opened fire on a police checkpoint at Pul Diwan on Saturday night. In retaliatory fire, one suspect was injured and later succumbed to his wounds. He was identified as Sanaullah, alias Sunny Rid, known for spreading fear in Muzaffargarh, Kota Addu and Dera Ghazi Khan districts. The other two suspects managed to escape. The body was shifted to the hospital for post-mortem before being handed over to his family. District Police Officer Dr Muhammad Rizwan Khan vowed to track down the fleeing accomplices.

FAKE CALL: A woman was booked under the Telegraph Act for making a fake emergency call to Khangarh police. ASI Mustafa rushed to the reported location but found no incident. Upon attempting to contact her, the caller did not respond. Khangarh Station House Officer Zarif Khan Pathan registered a case under Section 29D and initiated legal action.

RESTORED: Muzaffargarh DPO Dr Rizwan Ahmad Khan restored the Mondka police post under Khangarh police station after months of closure. The move was welcomed by locals, who expressed gratitude to the DPO for ensuring security in the area.

ARRESTED: Two retailers were arrested in Kot Addu for illegally deducting money from pay orders under the Ramazan Nigahban Package. Acting on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s directives, Deputy Commissioner Bukhari personally led raids and caught the culprits. Villagers reported that retailers were unlawfully deducting Rs200 per pay order.

Following complaints, cases were registered under Sections 420 and 406, and Faheem Murtaza and Ghulam Rasool were taken into custody. The DC reiterated the government’s strict stance on ensuring full relief reaches deserving beneficiaries.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2025