LAHORE, Oct 4: Punjab Agriculture Minister Arshad Khan Lodhi has ordered suspension of four pesticides inspectors of the extension and pest warning wing for failure to take action against an Egyptian company found involved in marketing of expired pesticides during raids in Multan recently.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, the minister said the sale of expired pesticides by the company came to the notice of the authorities following the arrest of 16 people during raids in Multan a few days ago.

The sale of pesticides had been going on for quite some time, but the inspectors failed to take action against the culprits till they were arrested.

He said he had directed the agriculture secretary to depute a senior officer to hold an inquiry into the matter.

He said the government would continue its operation against the sale of sub-standard pesticides in the province.

Registration of companies involved in production and marketing of such pesticides would be cancelled and the agriculture department officials found guilty of failure to take action against them would be proceeded against.