BAHAWALPUR: : A large number of Cholistan residents demonstrated outside the Cholistan Development Authority (CDA) office in Bahawalpur to press for the acceptance of their demands pertaining to allotment of land, supply of irrigation water and other related issues.

According to demonstrators, 4,800 persons have been allotted state land on the CM’s order about three years ago, but so far they had not been provided the land.

They demanded that these 4,800 persons be allotted land under “Apna Khet Apna Rozgar” scheme. They also demanded irrigation water for their lands through canals and release of 1,500 cusecs canal water quota approved for Cholistan during the Musharraf regime.

Speaking to the media outside the CDA Complex, their representatives said a delegation of the demonstrators has held talks with the CDA managing director, who assured them of resolution of their issues.

COPS DISMISSED: Bahawalpur Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ghazi Muhammad Salahuddin dismissed 10 already suspended police officials from service on various charges, including absence from duty and involvement in criminal activities, rejecting their appeals during an open court held on Thursday.

According to a press release, the dismissed officials include former assistant sub inspector (ASI) Humayan Asghar and nine former constables-- Naseerullah, Usman, Armghan, Farrukh Haider, Riaz Ahmed, Abdullah, Munir Shah, Arif and Daud.

The press release added thattheappeals ofSI Fida Hussain and constableQamaruz Zaman were accepted and their service was restored.

The RPO warned the police officials of strict accountability if they showed poor performance or were found involved in corruption.

‘RAPIST’ HELD: Kahrorepucca Saddar police in Lodhran district on Thursday claimed to have arrested a man who had allegedly raped a woman.

According to police PRO, a woman, Z, who lived alone in a house in Mohallah Faizabad after her divorce, alleged in the FIR No 321/26, registered under section 376 of the PPC that on April 27, when she was alone in her house, when the suspect, ‘A’, along with an unidentified accomplice, barged in.

She alleged that ‘A’ raped her at gunpoint, threatening to kill her, while his accomplice stood guard. She said the unidentified suspect also attempted to rape her but she offered resistance. She said that on hearing her screams, some neighbours rushed to rescue her, while the suspects fled the scene.

Later, the woman went to a government hospital and got a medico-legal certificate that confirmed the rape.

On her complaint, the police registered the FIR on May 2 and arrested the prime suspect. His accomplice is yet to be arrested.

TRADERS PROTEST: The city traders and shopkeepers on Thursday protested against the “smart lockdown” imposed by the government and demanded extension in the closing timings for the markets till 10pm.

The protest was led by Markazi Anjuman-i-Tajran president Rao Khurram Saleem, who said that due to the oppressive hot weather in the region, people mostly visit the markets for Eid shopping late in the evening. So, the markets should be allowed to remain open till 10pm.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2026