GUJRAT: Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development Mian Zeeshan Rafique on Friday suspended from service the Mandi Bahauddin Municipal Committee chief officer for allegedly charging a fee from the buyers at the sacrificial animals sale points.

As per the policy of the chief minister, no tax or fee is being charged on the sale of sacrificial animals at the sale points established by the government.

When the minister, along with Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Sheerazi, paid a visit to a cattle sale point in Mandi Bahauddin on Friday, people complained about“fee collection” from buyers by some MC officials.

Taking notice, the minister ordered the return of the money charged as a fee from the buyers and promised strict action against those involved in the scam.

Later, the LGCD department issued a notification of suspension of MC CO from service and also launched an inquiry into the matter under the Peeda Act.

The minister also expressed displeasure at the non-availability of cold drinking water at the sale points, after which the arrangements for the purpose were made there.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2025