MUZAFFARGARH, Aug 2: Scores of women staged a sit-in outside the DCO office on Thursday, demanding payment of food support programme (FSP) allowance. There are 25,780 people registered with the Pakistan Baitul Maal for FSP programme. The Baitul Maal used to provide them assistance after six months.

This year, they were supposed to get an allowance of Rs3,000 on June 15, but no payment was made so far due to alleged red tape.

When their visits to Baitul Maal offices did not help them, these needy women showed unity and reached the DCO office. They staged a sit-in in a peaceful manner and refused to move unless their demands were met. Seeing their determination, DCO Akhtar Nazir Warraich ordered payments to them the same day through post offices.

The DCO also formed a monitoring committee when some women complained that post office officials gave them less money.

Talking to Dawn, one Sakina said they were facing starvation owing to non-availability of funds but officials were making many excuses.

Mahmoodul Hasan of Pakistan Baitul Maal said some official hindrance delayed the payments.

CENTRE: The district administration has set up a Career Information and Guidance Centre for jobless people.